Foundation, has long
advocated for rural
women empowerment
by creating rural women
‘techno-artisans’ and
recognise their potential
as agents for economic
and social change
MAI BHARAT Foundation’s ‘Badhta Rajasthan’ campaign has been making significant strides in empowering Rural Women by equipping them with training and raw materials to produce hand-crafted products using indigenous technology.
This initiative has proven to be a vital step towards sustainable livelihoods and has led to increased economic growth and social develop-ment in rural families and communities. The campaign was launched during the Covid lockdown in tribal villages of Sirohi, where the Foundation provided medicine and ration in exchange for work.
Today, the campaign has expanded to various villages, providing rural women with opportunities to increase their household income with an aim is to empower rural women as skilled artisans from remote villages.
The Urban Women Group, an associate women wing of PACCT, has taken responsibility for bridging the gap between urban and rural women by connecting urban women trainers.
Ritesh, the President of the Foundation, has long advocated for rural women empowerment by creating rural women ‘techno-artisans’ and recognise their potential as agents for economic and social change.
The “Badhta Rajasthan” campaign shows that working with unemployed rural women not only helps to lift them out of poverty but also has a ripple effect on their families and communities, leading to overall increased economic growth and Social Development .
Through this campaign, the Foundation is enabling these women to create handcrafted artifacts and products by use of skills and simple technology that can be sold in markets. With Foundation’s help, they are able to access wider markets, and their products are gaining recognition for their unique designs and quality.
The initiative is a true inspiration and highlights the power of determination and commitment towards social justice.
REVIVING THE ART OF HANDCRAFTS
THE ART of handcrafting, such as crochet, macramé, embroidery, and knitting, was once a cherished pastime of many women. However, with the rise of technology and the fast-paced nature of modern life, these traditional crafts have become less popular. But why have we stopped doing something that used to bring so much joy and creativity into our lives? In this article, I want to focus on the potential of handcrafts as a source of livelihood for rural areas.
In urban areas, there are many job opportunities in various forms. People migrate from villages to cities in search of work, leaving their families behind. But what about the half of our population, the women, who are often left waiting for their life partners to earn a livelihood? Our agricultural sector is also dependent on seasons, which can make it difficult for people to make a steady income. Why not empower these women by teaching them handcrafts so that they can earn a living and support their families without having to migrate?
When I started teaching handcrafts to women in rural areas, I was delighted to see that women of all ages showed an interest in learning. Even though it was time-consuming, they were willing to learn so that they could provide for their families. Imagine if they were paid a fair wage for their hard work – they would be even more motivated to continue creating beautiful handcrafted items.
Many artisans share stories of tourists happily paying them a fair amount for their handmade goods. However, when it comes to our own country, we tend to bargain and haggle over prices, which can be demotivating for the artisans. As a society, we should think of these artisans as our brothers and sisters who are struggling to earn a livelihood. By supporting handcrafted goods, we can strengthen our economy while also promoting sustainability and clean environment.
Handcrafts have many benefits that go beyond economic value. The love and care that artisans put into creating each piece is invaluable and cannot be replicated by machines. When we give handmade gifts or return gifts to children on their birthdays, we are spreading awareness and appreciation for handcrafted goods. We can also promote handcrafts as a way to reduce stress and increase creativity, just as it did for women in earlier times.
One person’s action towards promoting handicrafts as a source of livelihood in rural areas can make a significant impact. By supporting and buying handmade goods, we are not only helping artisans earn a livelihood, but also preserving our culture and tradition. Let us start valuing and appreciating the beauty of handcrafted items and support those who create them.
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