“Women are motivated and strong here, we just need opportunities.”

Asha Yadav in Delwara, Rajasthan /Ruchika Jain / Transform Trade

For artisans like Asha, the sky is the limit.

She works for Sadhna, a women’s garment co-operative that has worked with local women in and around Udaipur, Rajasthan for over 20 years.

Asha started in 2007, and soon gained skills:
"My mother in law was an artisan – I picked it up from her. Eventually I was doing a far better job than her!”

She eventually became a group leader in 2021 - at a time when family finances were stretched due to the pandemic:

“Classes were online only. That costs money – a smartphone and a regular internet connection. I feel like it’s going to affect these kids in the future. It took six months to save up for a phone – then it is a struggle to keep it online.”

Through the crisis, Asha continued to provide for her family. Her income - as well as that of other women working at Sadhna, has had a transformative effect:

”Over the years I've seen that when women have an income they are no longer dependent on their husband. This has lead to an improvement in social position and living standards in Delwara.”

Asha is a member of several community groups, and her friends have even asked her to run for local election.

Asha at work at the Delwara production unit Ruchika Jain/ Transform Trade

 Asha’s community has its struggles - recently the cost of living crisis has meant some families in the area are struggling to fund even two meals per day.

But Asha is defiant:

”Women are motivated and strong here, we just need opportunities. Women are making sure the children have the best education.” 

Making sure their children aspire to big things is the first priority of many women at Sadhna. With their extra income they are able to send their children to school and give them the education that they themselves never got.

As Asha says:

“My work has inspired my daughter - I want her to be a fashion designer!”

Asha Yadav holds up her handiwork in Delwara Ruchika Jain/Transform Trade

Sadhna is exactly the type of business that our Producer Fund wants to support and see thrive.