India, Jan. 10 -- As winter tightens its grip over Kashmir, Saleema, 55, is selling the last sacks of charcoal she prepared after the apple season ended earlier this year. Stored in a corner of her home, the charcoal is sold to neighbours and familiar buyers who arrive through the day.

The earnings are modest, but carefully counted.

"I sell one sack for only Rs 300, but this is my own earning," Saleema said. "It may not be much, but it helps me buy what we need without asking anyone."

Across rural Kashmir, women engage in a range of seasonal, home-based livelihoods that become more visible as winter approaches. Carried out within villages and largely from home or fields, this work follows patterns women have long been familiar with. ...