The Hands That Create: Artisan Profiles

Meet our artisan Bharti* didi, who used to sell vegetables in the local market and worked as an agricultural labourer in other people's fields and had no support from her husband. She had to work day in and day out to feed her family. Bharti Didi had some knowledge of bamboo work, but the products did not bring her a good price. With education, support and a strong community of women from her village, she is now working to make a good living from her products.

Meet Cheenu*, our artisan from a remote village in Uttarakhand. Coming from a patriarchal set-up, Cheenu has always been a shy person, with the dream of a bright future hidden behind her smile. But the thought of helping her family in financial hardships has always overpowered her dreams for herself. Now, she has found a way to support her family while paving a path for herself as she has started learning stitching. 

When I expressed my desire to work, my husband asked me what work will you do, who will take care of the children I had no answer to this question until I got the opportunity to learn jewellery making and embroidery. Meet Fatima*, who was married off at the tender age of 16. She had hardly any education. She belongs to a social fabric where women are not allowed to leave the house. When asked what her answer was to her husband's question, she replied with a joyful expression on her face. With an expression of joy on her face, she said, "I will make jewellery and embroider clothes.

Meet Sheetal*! Sheetal is an independent and tough woman who has bounced back from many setbacks in life. Born in an urban slum, she never had the opportunity to go to school. Yet, she wanted to stand on her own feet and be financially independent—so she learned embroidery and started working with textiles. This journey was cut short as she was married off by her family against her wishes. After many years of living in the shadow of her husband and in-laws, Sheetal has decided to reclaim herself and her identity. Her work and your contribution give wings to her dream.