The global souvenirs business is worth billions of dollars, but in a largely unregulated souvenir’s industry, such as in India, it is almost impossible to stop the flood of cheap imports that take away income from local people. Women on Wings’ partner PashooPakshee generates income for women living on the fringes of protected forest by creating wildlife inspired souvenirs. The World Tourism Forum Lucerne awarded PashooPakshee for its work during the Start-Up Innovation Camp & Summit 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE).
Wildlife inspired souvenirs
PashooPakshee’s founder, Savini Sonavaria – picture center – has a Masters in Communication Engineering from BITS, Pilani. She is an avid wildlife enthusiast and a passionate traveler. During her travels, she noticed the lack of quality souvenirs in the Indian tourism space, and also found tribal communities having challenges to create a sustainable livelihood for themselves. She decided to quit corporate life and started PashooPakshee with the aim to design and supply wildlife inspired souvenirs to tourist destinations handmade by local artisans to generate sustainable livelihoods, giving tourists a meaningful take away.
Sustainable tourism
PashooPakshee’s innovative approach has been recognized by the World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL), an exclusive platform where the world’s leading tourism, travel and hospitality companies meet to shape a more sustainable future. WTFL’s Start-Up Innovation Camp & Summit 2022 took place on January 18-19, 2022, in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE). PashooPakshee was selected winner in WTFL’s ‘Destination’ category after having pitched its work to the jury. Women on Wings had supported PashooPakshee with the pitch, reviewing it and making suggestions, which contributed to ultimately winning the award. The social enterprise from Mumbai and Women on Wings are collaborating since June 2021 on their joint goal of creating extra jobs and livelihood opportunities for women in rural India.
Picture courtesy: WTFL | PashooPakshee’s founder Savini Sonavaria receives the award from HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
