Several years ago, during severe and frequent droughts, Puriben had only two options –she was either forced to migrate or work at earth-digging sites. She has no recollection of how much jewellery and precious family heirlooms (intricately hand-embroidered items of personal use), she had sold at throwaway prices, just to survive.

With acute water shortage, no regular income and cattle adversely affected by harsh and fragile conditions, Puriben was unsure of her and her family’s future.

Several years ago, during severe and frequent droughts, Puriben had only two options –she was either forced to migrate or work at earth-digging sites. She has no recollection of how much jewellery and precious family heirlooms (intricately hand-embroidered items of personal use), she had sold at throwaway prices, just to survive.

She was endowed with traditional embroidery skills, but was unaware of its commercial value. She made a living by digging pits, which neither provided drinking water, nor was conducive for water harvesting. Basic needs such as childcare, health and education were not a priority as survival itself was a challenge. Women like Puriben could have moved out of their villages to sell their embroidered products, however conservative customs prevented them from doing so. Though the traditional embroidery crafts from this region are popular worldwide, the craftswomen failed to realize the true value of their products.

Today after a decade and a half, STFC ensures that Puriben’s traditional embroidery skills are her family’s main source of income. She is an elected member of SEWA’s Executive Committee as well as an executive committee member of Banaskantha DWCRA Mahila SEWA Association (BDMSA) – a district level federation of over 65,000 women members like her.

Thousands of women like her are now economically self-reliant and more importantly – are empowered. They now have a right to choice and have control over their own livelihoods. They are free from the clutches of exploitative traders and middlemen. With a better network to sell their produce, they have substantially increased their bargaining power and earn what they rightfully deserve.