Saheli Women
Saheli Women stands as a pioneering all-female artisan collective situated in the rural village of Bhikamkor, India, marking ZAZI’s inaugural partnership. The name 'Saheli', meaning 'girlfriend club', embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity among its members, a vision realized by founder Madhu Vaishnav.
In 2015, Madhu Vaishnav embarked on a mission to foster social and economic autonomy for women within her community. Recognizing the prevalence of sewing machines among the women of Bhikamkor, traditionally acquired as part of their marriage dowries, Madhu initiated Saheli Women with just five fellow women and a humble initial investment of $100.
“We want you to hear our voices. We have a voice and I would like it if people and brands help us to reach out and use it, sharing our thoughts rather than simply holding a flyer for a photograph. I would like the world to know about the strong ladies who change their lives through fashion, and how these beautiful women bring a positive connotation to the clothing – empowering the maker and the wearer at the same time. At the end of the day, when the clothes are made with love then they can be worn with confidence.”
Since its inception, Saheli Women has blossomed into a thriving female atelier, now comprising over 70 dedicated artisans who breathe life into exquisite designs. Rooted in the ethos of equitable and inclusive design, the collective is committed to revitalizing age-old crafts while advancing community development through creativity, thereby empowering rural women both economically and socially. Remarkably, 87% of these women serve as the primary breadwinners for their families.
In addition to its artisan endeavors, Saheli Women is bolstered by the support of IPHD, an affiliated NGO. IPHD extends its outreach by sponsoring the education of all daughters belonging to Saheli Women members, operating the sole female health clinic in the village, and conducting workshops on various critical topics including human rights, feminism, menstrual hygiene, health, and financial literacy. Through these holistic initiatives, Saheli Women and its partners strive to effect transformative change, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for women and their communities.
