In the heart of Hyderabad, a quiet but powerful revolution is underway, led by a group of hijab-clad women who are redefining the city’s startup landscape. These young entrepreneurs, aged between 20 and 22, are defying societal norms and cultural expectations to create innovative enterprises that not only captivate industry giants but also pave the way for financial independence and employment opportunities for women.
Their rallying cry, “By the women, for the women,” echoes through the corridors of Hyderabad’s tech scene, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Yet, their path to success has been fraught with challenges and obstacles that they have courageously overcome.
Arma Sahar, a 20-year-old from Adilabad district, is one such trailblazer. When she set out to launch Unicorn, a driver training app exclusively for women, she faced resistance from within her own community. Despite criticism and skepticism, Arma remained steadfast in her mission to ensure women’s safety during commutes in Hyderabad.
“I love Hyderabad, but the fear of venturing out alone always troubled me,” Arma recalled. “To address this concern, I decided to build an app and train women drivers.” In 2021, she founded Unicorn, enlisting the help of five female trainers who have since empowered 179 women. These trainers earn monthly salaries ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000.
Similarly, Bushra Abdul Khader and Firdous Unissa, both 22-year-old computer science graduates, faced their own share of challenges when they launched StudentUnion.im in 2023. Their vision was to provide student volunteers for tech events and programs organized by high-net-worth individuals, offering students valuable learning and networking opportunities.
“Muslim women are often boxed in and portrayed as weak,” Bushra lamented. “It’s not a problem specific to our community or religion but rather the misconceptions others harbor about us.” Despite the obstacles, they quickly built a database of 300 students who volunteered at esteemed venues like T-Hub and BITS Pilani, earning upwards of Rs 750 a day and gaining recognition along the way.
For Saniya Mohammed, 22, the founder of goodmind.app, navigating the intersection of religion and mental health presented its own set of challenges. “Conversations surrounding mental health are typically taboo,” Saniya observed. “People tend to label you as ‘crazy’ if you broach the topic of mental well-being.”
Despite the stigma, Saniya’s app has attracted 15,000 users over three years, offering free mental health assessments and connecting users with specialists. Through physical workshops, Saniya aims to foster open discussions about mental health, particularly within Muslim communities.
These groundbreaking ventures find a nurturing environment at EdVenture Park in Hyderabad, where their determination and innovation continue to inspire others to defy expectations and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
