Ten years on , that ambition has put down strong roots . While this women ’ s company , built by women for women , can boast of working with some of the most important names in fashion , from Louise Misha to Lekha or Elpelut , its greatest source of pride justifiably lies elsewhere . Through its skills development programme , the company works with a network of around a hundred female artisans , paying them a fair wage ( estimated to be 50 % higher than the average income for similar work in India ) and guaranteeing working conditions that allow each worker to handle their family responsibilities and remain employed : 6 to 7 hour days , maternity leave , the possibility of bringing their children to the workshop ...
“ By focusing on education , career opportunities , and financial independence , we aim to promote freedom and gender equality , while making sustainability more accessible ,” says Madhu Vaishnav , founder of Saheli Women .
Gender equality may be the first priority for Saheli Women , but it is not the only battle to be fought . The company is also committed to preserving the local cultural heritage , and to demonstrating that fashion can be a virtuous industry . To start with , it favours artisanal practices such as hand weaving , which creates economic opportunities for isolated communities . The company also makes extensive use of recycled fabrics , ensuring that nothing is wasted : 50 % of its total manufacturing output uses second-hand saris ( the balance is made of natural materials ), and it gives a new life to other used fabrics and offcuts : linings , samples , packaging , etc . The goal : to produce zero waste and work in harmony with nature .
Convinced that fashion can be more ethical - Madhu Vaishnav is a member of the advisory committee of the UN ’ s Conscious Fashion & Lifestyle network - Saheli Women is committed to a conscious approach to fashion , sharing the names and stories of its artisans to reconnect consumers with the value of clothing . In the face of the likes of Shein and Temu , it ’ s a welcome alternative .
Making ethical practices an engine for growth : Saheli Women proves it is possible . With its wealth of resources , imagination , and creativity , Mauritius has everything it takes to reproduce this model . When will we take the plunge ?
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