In a remote village, a group of 12 women, who faced extreme poverty and limited opportunities, decided to take charge of their future. These women, determined to overcome the hardships of poverty, formed a non-formal group at the Panchayat level with a shared vision of creating a sustainable livelihood. Despite their economic struggles, they possessed a strong desire to learn, grow, and improve their lives.
The group began purchasing raw lac, a natural resin, from external sources and transformed it into intricately designed bangles. By harnessing their traditional skills and innovation, they created products with local significance and high market demand. However, accessing the market and receiving fair prices for their handcrafted bangles was a challenge.
Recognizing their potential, Gram Sathi, an organization committed to rural empowerment, stepped in to support the group. Gram Sathi not only provided the women with valuable training and resources but also established a market linkage for their products. This ensured that their bangles reached a wider audience, allowing the women to sell their creations at fair and competitive prices.
This initiative transformed the lives of these 12 women, providing them with financial stability and confidence. Their success stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of empowering women at the grassroots level to fight against poverty and create sustainable livelihoods.