Hijab-clad entrepreneurs break barriers, spark startup revolution in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: A group of hijab-clad women is silently revolutionising Hyderabad's startup scene. Defying societal norms, these young entrepreneurs, aged between 20 and 22, have captivated industry giants with their innovative enterprises, while also fostering employment opportunities for fellow women to achieve financial independence.
Their rallying cry? "By the women, for the women." Yet, the path to success has been anything but smooth.Arma Sahar, a 20-year-old from Adilabad district, faced resistance from within her own community when she embarked on her journey to launch Unicorn, a driver training app exclusively for women.
Recalling the challenges, Arma recounted a pivotal moment when a school principal criticised her efforts, claiming they were "spoiling the culture" of Muslim girls. Undeterred, Arma forged ahead, driven by a desire to ensure women's safety during commutes in Hyderabad.
"I love Hyderabad, but worried about stepping out alone," Arma said. "To resolve this, I decided to build an app and train women drivers." She founded Unicorn in 2021, enlisting five women trainers who have since empowered 179 women. The trainers earn monthly salaries ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000.
Bushra Abdul Khader and Firdous Unissa, both 22 and computer science graduates, faced similar uphill battles as they sought to establish StudentUnion.im in 2023. Their vision was clear: to provide student volunteers for tech events and programmes organised by high-net-worth individuals, offering students valuable learning and networking opportunities.
"Muslim women are set in a box and portrayed as weak," Bushra said. "It is not a problem of community or religion, but of perception that others have towards us." Their perseverance paid off as 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 - gaining recognition and breaking stereotypes along the way.
For Saniya Mohammed, 22, founder of goodmind.app, navigating the intersection of religion and mental health presented its own set of challenges. "Conversation around mental health is generally considered taboo," Saniya said. "People assume you are mad if you talk about mental health."
Despite the stigma, Saniya's app has garnered 15,000 users in three years, offering free mental health assessments and connecting users with specialists. Through physical workshops, Saniya is fostering open discussions about mental health, particularly within Muslim communities.
These ground-breaking 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.