In the quiet rural landscape of Kalaunjar village, located in Bihar’s Samastipur district, four women found their lives suddenly changed. We selected Ratna Devi, Geeta Devi, Manju Devi, and Komal from a larger group of eager women for an exposure visit to House of Maithili, a fashion e-commerce company based in Purnia, Bihar. House of Maithili specialises in eco-friendly handloom products. It employs rural women and promoting sustainable livelihoods through artisanal work such as sewing, embroidery, weaving, and painting.
The plan was simple yet powerful: House of Maithili would provide the raw materials, and the women would create the products from home. The finished items would then be collected, ensuring that these women could work without having to leave their families. This opportunity represented more than just an income. It was the key to solving long-standing financial problems, giving hope for independence and stability.
Breaking The Wall
After the initial communication with women, we decided to take four women to visit the House of Maithili. The journey to their office in Purnia took around seven hours from Kalaunjar. The road was bumpy, with small digs and uneven patches making the ride tiring. My project coordinator, Sunil Kumar, and my colleague, Nidhi, were visibly exhausted as we traveled, and I could feel the fatigue creeping into my own body as well.
But when I looked at the four women, I saw a different story. Despite the long and tiring journey, they were buzzing with excitement, their curiosity fuelling them. Their eyes shone with the possibility of learning something new. I realised that they were so engrossed in their thoughts of exploring new opportunities that they hardly noticed the physical discomfort. Seeing their passion, I felt a wave of happiness and a renewed sense of confidence in our mission. It was clear that these women were ready to take this chance and transform their lives, and their determination filled me with optimism.
Sewing Dreams, Stitching Freedom
When we finally reached House of Maithili in Purnia, the women found themselves greeted by a bustling workshop filled with women just like them—once unemployed, now creating beautiful products through skilled handloom work. Ratna Devi, being the oldest, felt a sense of relief. Knowing that she could no longer work in the fields due to her age burdened her. But here, she saw an opportunity that did not require back-breaking labor. She could sit at home and still earn a decent income, supporting her family without the physical strain.
As the women settled in, one of the employees at House of Maithili introduced herself and shared her story. She had joined the organisation just eight months ago, earning a modest salary of 6000INR, and now she was making 11000INR per month. The story filled the four women with hope as they saw a reflection of their own aspirations.
“How Do You Do It?”
Ratna Devi, unable to contain her curiosity, approached the employee.
Ratna Devi: “Sister, tell me, how did you manage to double your income in such a short time? I don’t have much experience, and I’m older, but I want to learn and earn, just like you.”
The employee smiled, her face glowing with pride.
Employee: “When I first started, I was just like you—unsure, a little nervous. But the work here is not difficult. They teach you everything step by step. I used to stitch clothes in my home before, but here, I learned embroidery, and now I can create designs that are sold all over India. It’s not just about money; it’s about gaining confidence. You will see that once you start, you’ll get better with practice. And as your skills grow, so does your income.”
Ratna Devi’s face lit up with hope. Her hands, rough from years of hard labor, slowly smoothed over the fabric as she imagined herself mastering these skills.
Ratna Devi: “Do you really think I can learn this too? I want to earn enough to help my son, who is studying, and support my other son’s family in Hyderabad.”
Employee: “Of course, you can! Age doesn’t matter here. What matters is your willingness to learn. You’ll start by earning something small, but over time, just like me, you’ll see your hard work pay off. Imagine sitting at home, earning 10-12 thousand a month without leaving your family. You’ll have the freedom to contribute and still be with them.”
Ratna Devi smiled softly, her worries easing as she realised that this was truly within her reach. The other women, listening intently, were equally inspired. The employee’s story had stirred something deep within them—a belief that this could change their lives.
A Future Within Reach
That evening, we stayed at a hotel in Purnia, and the discussions continued late into the night. The four women were buzzing with anticipation. “When will we start our training?” “How soon can we begin earning?” “How long will it take to get started?” Their excitement was palpable, and it filled the room.
Manju Devi, who had always been shy and reserved, opened up about her dreams of a stable financial future. While Sharda Devi shared how she hoped this opportunity would lift her family out of the financial struggles they had been facing for years. Geeta Devi, juggling the roles of a mother and daughter-in-law, now saw a way to help her household without leaving her baby. Komal, the young college girl, felt empowered knowing she could support her family while continuing her education.
Their excitement and questions gave me hope that this initiative could bring about real change in Kalaunjar. When we returned to the village, the enthusiasm spread. Later, in a meeting in Kalaunjar, our organisation EcoPrism Collective Foundation, assessed the women interested in participating. The stories of the four women had inspired them, and soon nearly 45 women came forward, ready to join the training program. The idea of working from home, earning a good income, and contributing to their household finances struck a chord with many.
Women Transforming Their Lives
House of Maithili’s growth from employing just six women to over 60 within two years was a testament to the impact of such initiatives. These women, who once struggled with unemployment and financial insecurity, now proudly contributed to their families, empowered by the skills they had learned. The company’s eco-friendly practices—using waste fabric to create new products and maintaining a sustainable production process—fit perfectly with EcoPrism’s mission to promote green livelihoods.
The trainer from House of Maithili would soon visit Kalaunjar to conduct a month-long training, teaching them the skills needed to succeed in handloom work.
However, for Ratna Devi, Geeta Devi, Manju Devi, Sharda Devi, and Komal, this opportunity was not just a job; it was the key to breaking free from their hardships. They had crossed the wall separating them from empowerment, and with each stitch, they were sewing the fabric of a better future.
Also read: Sealing Love, One Stitch At A Time
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