Buy from women artisans

Craft fair schedule 2011

Traditionally South Indian women are expected from a young age to help bear the burden of the family. Most rural women cannot even consider professional training due to a basic lack of education, the impact of the dowry system and the demands of family life.

As a result, they are restricted to low-paying, hard physical labour and very difficult lives.

This has all changed for over 300 women artisans of the Shanthimalai Handicrafts Development Society. These women:

• earn fair wages
• work regular hours
• receive extra benefits like medical care and personal insurance
• work in village centers close to their homes, in a friendly atmosphere.

The artisans have gained a tremendous sense of security, knowing they can care for their families. Just as important, they can develop and express their talents in work that is meaningful to them.

In the words of one woman, "It's not like a typical business. It's more like a family. It's really heartfelt work."

About this program

Step by step, this project has evolved into a model that other organizations are now adopting - both within India and beyond, in countries like Nepal.

1989: Shanthimalai Trust started training programs for village women in traditional handcrafts. The Aruna Partnership helped fund these programs. Our volunteers worked side by side with these women to help develop new products and establish strict processes for quality control.

2001: The village women formed their own registered organization: Shanthimalai Handicrafts Development Society.

Today: The Society sells its products in the USA, the United Kingdom, several European countries and India. Aruna supports their work by helping find new markets in the USA for their products.

Out of gratitude for the help they have received, the Society trains more than 500 young people each year, giving them access to the professional world. The Society also oversees a program that provides training, jobs and financial help to poor widows in the area - women who otherwise are left penniless, uncared for and unwanted.

Shanthimalai Handicrafts Development Society is a member of Fair Trade India and is approved by the World Fair Trade Organization . Only two other businesses in the state of Tamil Nadu have achieved this status.

www.arunadesigns.org