US based Aid to Artisans creates economic opportunities for artisan groups around the world where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions are marginal or at risk. Women on Wings’ partner PashooPakshee has won a grant in its annual Small Grants Program which not only is a great recognition for the work of the social enterprise from Mumbai, but also will contribute to generating more jobs for artisans.
Direct financial support
Aid to Artisans’ (ATA) annual Small Grants Program, in partnership with Canvas Home™, a British retailer of artisan furniture, ceramics, and textiles, provides artisans with direct and immediate financial assistance that can lay the groundwork for sustainable incomes for artisans. These grants are designed to allow artisan groups to acquire materials, tools, equipment, training, and marketing services in order to expand employment and generate income. Women on Wings’ partner PashooPakshee decided to apply for this year’s Grant Program and Women on Wings had given them a recommendation letter for the same.
Impacting tribal people
ATA blends a passion for the deep-rooted cultures and handmade traditions of the developing world with a commitment to building profitable businesses. Environmentally sound practices are at the foundation of its methodology. Just like Women on Wings, ATA believes that economic growth can only be achieved sustainably with an integrated approach to product development, business skills, market access and eco-effective processes. The fact that ATA has selected PashooPakshee for its Small Grants Program, is a wonderful recognition for its work with tribal communities which not only positively impacts people but also preserves wildlife in protected forests in India.
Artisans preserve wildlife
PashooPakshee works with marginalized communities living near the periphery of protected forests, such as Kanha National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Women artisans earn an income from alternative livelihoods and make wildlife inspired products, such as stuffed toys, T-shirts, papier maché idols, key chains, and more. PashooPakshee’s constant endeavour is to make maximum utilization of local art and crafts and create products that are relevant to its customers. Thanks to PashooPakshee, the outlook of people living in protected forests towards wildlife conservation has changed for the better. Where the communities would be in conflict before with the wildlife because wild animals would attack their cattle or destroy crops, they now see that wildlife conservation through livelihood initiatives benefits both man and the wild.
