Kashmir’s “Bee Queen”: Sania Zehra’s Journey of Passion and Empowerment

For the past four years, beekeeping has been at the heart of Sania Zehra’s life. Rising at dawn, she dedicates her mornings to nurturing her bee colonies before focusing on expanding her business, which has earned her the title of “bee queen” in Kashmir.

Zehra’s journey began at 16, inspired by her father and grandfather’s dedication to beekeeping on their family farm in Balhama, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Determined to support her father, she overcame her initial fear of bee stings and applied for a government program to grow their business.

The path wasn’t easy. Zehra faced challenges in turning a profit initially, balancing the demands of beekeeping and marketing her products. However, her perseverance paid off, and now her honey is sold across India and internationally, with orders from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Dubai, South Africa, and Qatar.

At 20, Zehra is driven by a multifaceted passion—protecting the environment, preserving her family legacy, and empowering women in Kashmir. She joins a growing number of female entrepreneurs accessing government programs for support and training.

Despite societal barriers, Zehra’s family, particularly her mother, has been a pillar of support. Her mother’s encouragement underscores the belief that nothing can stop a determined woman.

For Zehra, beekeeping is both a passion and a responsibility to nature. Fascinated by the social structure of bees and their ecological importance, she aims to produce natural honey and inspire others.

Beyond personal success, Zehra is committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Kashmir. She founded an empowerment group for talented women lacking resources, aiming to serve as a catalyst for their growth. With 40 members already, she hopes to expand to 100, guiding them to benefit from government initiatives as she did.

“I want to provide employment for all,” Zehra said, outlining her vision to address unemployment in Kashmir and transform it into a prosperous region. Her journey is an inspiration for young people, proving that passion and dedication can lead to impactful change.