saheli women
hand block printed silk scarfs made by a women's cooperative in Jaipur
Saheli Women is a female social enterprise proving that ethical fashion can be a powerful engine for social change and financial empowerment. Their mission is to financially empower women in their community by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities in the slow fashion industry. They are more than just a garment production house; they are a collective built on the principles of fairness, non-exploitation, and a deep commitment to women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
The skills of their artisans are vast and exceptional, ranging from the intricate art of Block Printing and Embroidery to specialised techniques like Handloom, Natural Dye, and Eco-Printing.
Preserving the Cultural Heritage
By centring these traditional arts, Saheli Women not only preserve cultural heritage but also create meaningful, dignifying work. They handle the entire production cycle, offering everything from sample making and quality assurance to full-scale production, packaging, and export. This holistic approach ensures their women are involved in and benefit from every step of the ethical supply chain.
Their Commitment to Fair Work
What truly sets Saheli Women apart is their radical dedication to ethical labour practices. They operate under a strict code of conduct that ensures people and the planet are valued above profit.
- Fair Wages & Hours: Artisans receive a fair wage that is at least 50% higher than the average income for similar work in the region. Their working days are intentionally shorter—typically 6 or 7 hours—offering a crucial balance that is often absent in the fast-fashion world.
- Holistic Support: Recognising the barriers women face, Saheli Women provides essential support to its collective, including skills development training, transportation assistance, and health insurance. Crucially, they offer on-site childcare support and flexible working options, ensuring mothers and caregivers are not forced to choose between work and family.
- A Safe Haven: The organisation consciously fosters a safe and welcoming work environment, free from gender, religious, and caste discrimination, where women have the freedom to manage their individual work schedules and holidays.
More Than a Workplace
Designed to feel like home, their centre is a joyous, social space where women can brew chai, cook, bring their children, and celebrate Indian festivals together. They serve as essential community hubs that go far beyond garment production.
The collective regularly hosts workshops on topics that are critical to empowerment and personal growth, including:
- Human rights and feminism
- Menstrual hygiene and health
- Financial literacy
By providing both economic opportunity and a platform for education and social support, Saheli Women is fostering a generation of financially independent women who are also empowered, informed, and connected.
