Features

With the revolution in information technology, more and more married Muslim women are reviving their career.


Before marriage, many Muslim women do not prefer to work as they are very apprehensive about their image inspite of the fact that they are qualified and competent. After marriage, the responsibilities of the husband and children ensure that they do not have even time to think of working. But because of the revolution in information technology and tele-communication, more and more Muslim women are reviving their career.


Zainab Ansari, 39, an interior designer has started operating from her home. Her business is growing with every passing month as clients are impressed by her creativity.


“Though I am proud that I devoted my entire youth taking care of my husband and children, still, somewhere within, I had to suppress my interests and ambitions, to lead a housewife’s life. Now my kids have grown up, so there is not much work at home either. This gives me lot of spare time which I make use of and earn money to supplement the family income”, said Zainab Ansari, Farhana, 35, had the best of education in Fine Arts as well as some special interests and skills before marriage, but times have changed. “I still wish to fulfill my dreams of working for the corporate world, but had no time because of the family responsibility. With children grown up, I have enrolled for a post-graduate diploma in advertising and also doing freelance work for an advertising agency”, said Farhana.


Like Zainab and Farhana, there are many Muslim women who may want to revive their career and utilise their education. There are numerous fields which provide an opportunity for Muslim women to earn without moving out of the home. Check out these alternatives.


Data entry using internet: This is one of the latest trends which is fast picking up among those who want to work from the comfort of their homes. You being a housewife, this work will suit you best without compromising with your family life.


To start with this, all you need to have is a computer with internet access, basic computer and typing skills, valid email address, ability to spell and print neatly and also to follow instructions. The last is very important because the training material is very specific and requires that each step be done exactly. So if you have a computer with an internet connection at home, just get started.


Education/Career counselling: Women are considered to be great counsellors and you have been always giving suggestions and guidance to your family and friends, so why not make it your profession while you also are at home and contribute to your family income? So, with little bit of brushing up your knowledge and getting in touch with any educational institution or a social organisation, you can start off as a counsellor at home. With increasing problems relating to career consciousness among students and youth, the need for counsellors in order to guide them and help them choose a suitable career option has been increasing over the years.


Depending upon your graduation and specialisation, you can become education, psychology, human resource or child councellor etc. It is a lucrative profession, where one just needs to study and understand the needs and capabilities of the clients.


Teaching: It is no longer limited to tuition. Today, many tutors are using email, chat service for online coaching. All you need is that extra space in your home where you can accommodate a group of students and enough space and privacy for your online coaching through computer.


Freelance writing: Have you ever tried your hand at writing and get paid for it as well? After your household work is over, all you do is watch television or read a magazine or a novel. No doubt you enjoyed reading since your school days and always wished to write on issues of various interests, until you got married and devoted yourself to household responsibilities. Now with the kids grown up, you have plenty of spare time for yourself which you can efficiently utilise for fulfilling your desire of writing articles for magazines, journals or newspapers.


You can choose from among the hundreds of magazines and journals around, and get in touch with the concerned persons there and start contributing your articles. Some of these journals and magazines really pay well considering the number of words written. So, you can not only fulfill your desire of writing, but also get paid in return.


Handicrafts/soft toys/pottery /perfumed candles: We all love to decorate our homes with small, but beautiful handicraft items like soft toys, pots and perfumed designer candles. Many of these are prepared by housewives who have been utilising their spare time by efficient use of their skills.


So if you too have similar skills and are willing to extract the best out of it, you can surely get involved in these creative and interesting activities. All you need is the basic raw material required to manufacture such beautiful handicraft items, pots, soft toys or other such items. You can market your creations either directly from home through lots of e-commerce websites which will be too glad to offer their services. Since work of art is highly appreciated, the monetary returns are also good enough to keep the good work going.