Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 4 (KNS): A feature story by Bandipora-based journalist Shaizan Nadaf highlighting the deteriorating condition of Wular Lake and its impact on women dependent on the waterbody for their livelihoods has been selected for the 11th edition of the Gender Bender Festival 2026, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from November 19 to 22.

Titled “Kashmir’s Wular is sick, and its women know it,” the story was published by Free Press Kashmir in August this year and documents the challenges faced by women engaged in water chestnut harvesting as the ecological condition of Wular Lake continues to deteriorate.

The selection was announced on Wednesday by Sandbox Collective, the organisers of the festival, which will be held at Studio 345 in Bengaluru.

Nadaf is among the selected contributors whose works will be showcased during the four-day event focusing on gender, identity and social issues.

Reacting to the selection, Nadaf expressed happiness over the recognition, saying it was encouraging to see a story rooted in the struggles of local communities find space on a national platform.

He said the recognition would motivate him to continue documenting underreported issues from Kashmir, particularly those concerning environmental degradation and marginalised communities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The story examines how changes in Wular Lake's ecosystem have affected women whose livelihoods depend on harvesting water chestnuts, bringing attention to the intersection of environmental challenges, gender and rural livelihoods.

Nadaf, a multimedia journalist with over five years of experience, has reported extensively on social issues, environment, health, sports and culture.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and is currently pursuing a master's degree in the same discipline.

His reporting primarily focuses on highlighting overlooked community issues through field reporting and visual storytelling.

Organised by Sandbox Collective, the Gender Bender Festival provides a platform for artistic expression and discussions around gender, identity and their wider social implications.

The 11th edition will feature selected creative works and contributions from across the country during the four-day event in Bengaluru. (KNS)