Saheli Women: Empowerment through craftsmanship

In a world crying out for sustainability, equality and empowerment, this inspiring Indian project shows us the way forward.

Saheli Women is an ethical enterprise run by The Institute for Philanthropy and Humanitarian Development (IPHD India), a non-profit organisation based in the village of Bhikamkor, near Jodhpur, India. Women from the village are given the chance to use their beautiful embroidery skills in the fashion business, to gain financial independence.

Louise Jessup and Juliette Laville are two young designers from a fashion and textile background. They both have a huge appreciation for the craftsmanship and beauty of Indian textiles. After taking up internships with Saheli Women, Juliette and Louise started a development project to further assist the women of the village.

They gave the Saheli Women creative freedom to interpret Juliette and Louise’s new jacket designs, letting the women’s personalities shine through in their stitched work. Juliette and Louise wanted to make better use of the women’s outstanding embroidery skills, giving them a chance to express themselves and showcase their work.