A dream born in the valley
Kainat Siddique, a 2024 Aspire Leaders Program alumna, and a Social Impact Seed Funding awardee, is making waves in her community in Kashmir. Her innovative project ‘Grow Green, Grow Together’ is reshaping community dynamics for women.
This program taught me that leadership is about more than leading—it’s about working alongside people and striving for their well-being
Growing up in Kashmir’s stunning valleys, Kainat Siddique was surrounded by nature’s raw beauty. However, she was acutely aware of the stark contrast between nature’s abundance and the limited opportunities available to her community.
“The struggles of my community always weighed heavily on me,” Kainat remarked. Above all, she dreamed of bringing about change to the people and land that she loved so deeply.
This dream gained wings when she was selected for the Aspire Leaders Program. “This program taught me that leadership is about more than leading—it’s about working alongside people and striving for their well-being,” she shared.
Turning dreams into reality
From this passion sprouted the ‘Grow Green, Grow Together’ project. It is an initiative that intertwines women’s empowerment with environmental stewardship. As a result, the project’s mission is two-fold: to uplift women in her community by equipping them with agricultural skills, and to promote sustainable practices that protect Kashmir’s precious ecosystem.
Having witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change on her surroundings, her project promotes sustainable practices like vertical gardening and recycling plastic into planters. These practices aim to protect the environment by recycling waste.
The ‘Grow Green, Grow Together’ project teaches women to cultivate climate-resilient crops and adopt improved farming techniques. However, it is more than just an agricultural program. By providing women with the tools and knowledge to generate income independently, the project is planting the seed of financial freedom.
“For the first time in Azad Kashmir, a female student – me – was breaking barriers with this initiative that blends social empowerment and environmental care,” Kainat reflected.
The rise of ‘Green Ambassadors’
The project’s first major milestone came with a groundbreaking session in Sahliyan. In this session, 25 women received farming toolkits, while 50 others gained valuable insights into farming practices and entrepreneurship.
To ensure the project’s reach extends far and wide, 7 ‘Green Ambassadors’ were appointed from various villages. Additionally, these dedicated individuals are tasked with spreading the message of vertical gardening, climate action, and women’s empowerment throughout their communities.
‘Grow Green, Grow Together’ project has a built-in ripple effect that sets it apart. Each of the 25 women who received initial support is entrusted with a mission. They must pass on their newfound knowledge to two more women in their community. This creates an ever-expanding network of empowerment, wherein each participant becomes a mentor. In due time, they will foster a community of strong and capable women leaders. “Through this shared learning, the project will grow and it will build a network of strong [and] empowered women who are not just farmers, but [are] leaders in their communities,” Kainat remarked.
A future built on hope
Kainat remains steadfast and positive in her vision for the future. Consequently, she wants to expand the project, reach more villages and empower women to be financially independent.
“This project isn’t just my story. It’s a story for every girl and woman who dreams of making a difference. With hope, faith, and support, similar to the kind I received from Aspire Institute, we can turn dreams into reality. The journey has just begun, but with the courage to take the first step, anything is possible,” she concluded.
