Help rural Indian women build livelihoods through basket making

In rural India, women from underprivileged backgrounds suffer from hunger, poor health and domestic violence - with poverty as the root cause. Based on our on-ground assessment, United Way of Chennai established skills training for the women as a sustainable solution to improve their lives. We started Project Thulir to conduct training workshops in basket-making using strong and durable banana fiber. The baskets that the women make are then sold in the market, giving the women the opportunity to earn an income and be financially independent and secure. This project is for 12 months and will benefit 50 women. 

What is the problem?

Underprivileged women in rural India suffer from extreme poverty, illiteracy, domestic violence and have no opportunities to access safe and decent employment or healthcare to improve their futures. This causes immense suffering and a reduced quality of life for millions of women across rural India who are mostly engaged in agricultural labor. The lack of access to skills training prevents them from earning a stable livelihood and this means that the cycle of poverty continues and passes on to the next generation.  

What is our solution?

United Way of Chennai and our partners developed our flagship women’s livelihood program called Project Thulir that trains women in making baskets using banana fiber, which is strong and durable, and can be sold as products. After a 45-day training workshop on how to make the baskets, the women are engaged in making the baskets. Once completed, we connect the women to the local market where the products are sold, allowing the women to streamline their profits towards a sustainable livelihood. 

What long term impact does this project make? 

Project Thulir has empowered 336 women to earn an income for the first time in their lives and gain the respect of their family and community members. The women are also elevated to the position of breadwinners and decision makers in their families – something previously thought to be impossible. This project does more than generate employment and financial independence. It empowers women from underserved communities and makes their voices heard.