POWERed, rural women weave baskets for global markets

However, nine months earlier, Kavitha had started working under non-profit Industree Foundation Producer Owned Women Enterprises (POWER) Communication Plan, which offers more than 1,100 jobs to rural women in Tamil Nadu to produce natural fibre and non-timber products, like baskets. She was employed as a quality control manager and has brought in a regular salary to her household.

“People were losing their jobs left and right during the lockdown. Even people working in managing companies were suffering. So the fact that I had a job and was contributing to my household is something I am grateful for. Three months into the shutdown, we returned to the office and continued working as usual,” she said. Not different is the case of 39-year-old I Selvanayaki, a former daily wage agricultural labourer, who finds mental and financial solace working as a basket weaver with Industree Foundation after receiving skill training in the area of expertise.

“In my earlier job, there was a lot of anxiety about whether we would get work the next day or not. In this case, I get regular work and regular pay. During the lockdown, we were working from home too. Sitting in my room and weaving the basket is so therapeutic. I don’t have to worry about money, or work in the sun, even during the shutdown,” said the mother of three.

The POWER plan, in association with the US Agency for International Development, takes production processes and resources to rural women to make work more accessible to the women. “We sell the products made by women to national and international market players. We send resources to our centres, where the women come and make the baskets. During the shutdown, we send resources to their houses. Before hiring them, we give them skill training. We are now looking at giving them soft skill training as well,” said Susan Bhaktul, head, Sales and Marketing, Industree Foundation. But the greatest feeling for the women, aside from financial security, is the pride of providing for their family. “My husband only now has started getting work, but even then it’s only once a week. I’m supporting my family at this time, and he supports me by keeping the kids busy when I’m working and getting me tea and snacks. With the money I earn, some of it goes into a savings account for my children’s future and education. This makes me believe in myself,” said Selvanayaki.