In Rajasthan , a woman ’ s destiny is marriage – preferably before she reaches her majority - and looking after her family . What alternative could exist , in the rural zones of India ’ s largest state ? With a population of 69 million , of whom 10 million live below the extreme poverty line ( i . e ., on less than $ 2.15 a day ), there are many battles to be fought to support Rajasthan ’ s people – and still more when it comes to empowering its women .
“ When women have access to work , societies prosper , economies strengthen and become more equitable , and the education of women and girls improves , breaking the cycle of of poverty “, explains Madhu Vaishnav , founder of Saheli Women .
At first glance , Saheli Women is simply a sewing workshop like so many others . But a closer look demonstrates its differences . A slow fashion approach is the workshop ’ s first distinctive feature : from sewing to natural dyeing , embroidery , and eco-friendly printing , the vision of fashion here is ethical and sustainable . Behind a standard business plan , Madhu Vaishnav ’ s ambition goes far beyond the norm : to help the women of Rajasthan achieve economic emancipation , by developing their skills and by offering them a steady income , all while promoting local savoir faire internationally . It ’ s an ambitious plan .
S ’ inspirer
This is the mission social entrepreneur Madhu Vaishnav has set herself . In 2015 , through her non-profit organisation , IPHD , and inspired by the resilience she witnessed in the women of the rural village of Bhikamkor , Vaishnav launched a vocational training programme to enable women to perfect their basic sewing skills and earn an income from these skills . Although the idea had merit , it didn ’ t work as planned : with no jobs available , the trainees couldn ’ t put their new skills into practice . No matter : if opportunities did not appear , Vaishnav would challenge destiny and create them ; Saheli Women was born .
When women have access to work , societies prosper , economies strengthen and become more equitable .
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