Qamar Gul, now the Center Coordinator for Snow Leopard Enterprises (SLE) in Kuju Valley, first approached the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) in 2012 with a vision: to create a platform for local women to participate in conservation through skill-based income opportunities. Inspired by the positive change she had observed since SLE began in her area in 2005, Qamar believed that empowering women would not only support households economically but also encourage environmental stewardship.
Despite facing financial hardship and cultural restrictions, Qamar completed her matriculation at a boys’ school and pursued higher education as a private candidate, funding her studies by sewing clothes at home. Living in a joint family with aging parents, three brothers, their children and a dependent sister, she carried a heavy responsibility, but saw it as a challenge she was ready to lead through.
Qamar’s initiative led to the formation of a group of 30 local women who signed a conservation agreement with SLF, producing handmade embroidered napkins in exchange for fair wages. This income, around Rs. 100 per napkin became a source of pride and independence for many women. The group now produces the highest number of napkins annually among SLE participants.
Qamar also receives a small supervisory wage for monitoring production. With tears in her eyes, she shared, “From the income of SLE’s napkin production, I was able to support my parents and contribute to my sister’s wedding. Because of SLF, I became the right hand of my father in a time of great need.”
Her journey didn’t stop there. Determined to build her skills further, Qamar enrolled in Government Technical College in Chitral to pursue advanced education in embroidery and handicrafts. She is now the master trainer for SLF, strengthening the skill center she helped build and ensuring long-term opportunities for more women in her community.
“I want women in my village to have a platform where they can learn, contribute and earn. SLF gave us that chance, and I want to help expand it further.”
Qamar’s story is a powerful example of how a single determined individual, when supported by the right platform, can drive social and environmental impact, one stitch at a time.
When women earn through conservation, they come to see the snow leopard not as a threat, but as a vital part of the ecosystem they help protect.
Snow Leopard Enterprises is an award-winning, conservation-focused handicrafts brand that helps create sustainable economic opportunities for women and families living in snow leopard habitat. This women-led initiative promotes the production and sale of handmade products to augment livelihoods. Participating communities are also actively involved in conservation actions to protect snow leopards.
You can support Qamar and thousands of women across the snow leopard range with a purchase from our conservation shop.