Women in society, especially those belonging to the lower middle class, are told that they need a man of the house to provide them safety and economic security. In our culture, it is unheard of for a woman to take up the role of a provider of the household. In Karachi, however, Salma Zubair is determined to prove everyone wrong as she provides the social and economic security for a 12-member household.
With a family of five sons – three of whom are still completing their education – Salma took it upon herself to provide and care for the well-being of her children with a culinary venture.
A Determined Mother
Salma, a local from Gulistan-e-Jauhar, uses her culinary skills to set-up her own little roadside hotel to provide for her family. A widower, Salma lost her husband in an accident. Despite the hefty medical bill of Rs. 200,000 per day for her husband’s recovery, the accident was too severe to save his life. The money spent for the recovery, left a serious dent in the family’s savings.
The mother of five started her venture by gaining employment at a canteen of a local engineering university. She was able to save a meager amount of Rs. 3,000, which she invested in pans, pots and plastic containers. Soon after, Salma set up a roadside kitchen near her house at the busy street of New Karachi, near the Samama Shopping Centre.
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Made With Love
Providing a delicious home cooked daal chawal dish to locals hard working labourers, working professionals and executives of the nearby offices. Salma’s kitchen currently serves more than 16 dishes that include different kinds of vegetables, a variety of chicken and beef curries and of course, everyone’s favorite, biryani.
The roadside hotel opens around 11am every morning and serves till 3pm, after which the food runs out. Salma’s kitchen has received a lot of praises and love from her regulars who lovingly refer to her as ‘amma’. Due to her delicious food that is prepared with love, Salma has also received many catering offers as well.
A Family Business
The income from Salma’s kitchen has helped the mother support the marriage expenses for one of her sons, while making sure her younger sons are able to complete their education without any financial concerns.
Salma’s household has expanded in recent times with daughter-in-laws and grandchildren, which has not stopped her from being the rock that holds the family together. Salma believes in empowering women to find their own means of financial freedom. Salma’s kitchen has become a family venture for her as her two daughter-in-laws help her daily in this business venture.
What Does The Future Hold For Salma’s Kitchen?
Although Salma beams with pride as she talks about her journey, she does has not have any plans of turning her kitchen into a marketable business venture. In a recent interview with Express Tribune, she said:
“When my children complete their education and find employment, I will no longer need to work.”
Salma main goal is to provide for her children, until they can find a decent job and take care of themselves. When asked about her home cooked meals, Salma said that she would rather impart her skills to other women looking to start their own kitchen as means of financial freedom.
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