Next we asked her what steps were taken by Sewa to reduce the impact of the slowdown on the handicraft sector, to which she replied by saying, “With a view to demonstrate the strategy of inclusive growth and development and also as a response to the economic slowdown and the two major global crisis; financial crisis and climate crisis, Hansiba has come up with a new line of production and collection. SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre's approach is to equip the women artisan shareholder in mitigating the two crises by accessing new markets and by building new skills.
“To reduce the impact on the lives of its members, The STFC, a company of more than 15,000 women artisans and garment workers hasn't resorted to subsidies and bailouts. Instead, it has forged a unique partnership between its shareholders - the rural women artisans and garment workers and international organizations such as the Alliance Française and international designers Graham Hollick and Corine Forget. Through this unique thread, local traditional skills connect to new global markets, safeguarding the lives and livelihood of the shareholders of STFC. This innovation is known as 'Ananta', which is an informal workers journey to becoming secure, empowered artisan.
“Ananta, or the flamboyant stitch, has not only created the finest designs and embroideries for an international market, but has secured the lives of thousands of rural women artisans. Through Ananta the world will recognize our skills, which is providing its members with livelihood and security. We will not only host a fashion show highlighting the cause, but will also screen films, hold workshops, have dance performances and showcase the collection of garment and home furnishings made by the artisans of STFC, thus connecting local to global.
“Hansiba thus demonstrates a brand that is owned and managed by the women artisans themselves and for every purchase of Rs. 1.00 made by a consumer, Rs 0.65 goes directly in the hands of women artisans. Hansiba strives to market the skill base of the artisans which is the only source of income and livelihoods for the households. This in turn helps in maximizing earnings to the poor rural artisans, reduces migration and also improves education of their children”, she concluded by saying.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India