Matu had spent her entire life in the Matia Hills, deeply connected to the land but with little opportunity to earn her own income. Until the age of 22, she remained financially dependent, like many other forest dwellers, with limited access to work beyond the daily struggles of survival.
But she often heard the sound of the looms and watched the women in her community coming and going from AVACreations Social Impact Foundation, with quiet determination in their steps. She noticed something different about them. They were earning, supporting their families and shaping their own futures.
Inspired, Matu gathered her courage and approached Anu Mandal, the founder and managing director of AVACreations. That simple step, driven by hope and curiosity, became the beginning of a journey that would change her life.
She finds leadership and more in her job
Matu joined AVACreations as a helper, assisting the weavers and others in the production process. Her work involved preparing materials for weaving, maintaining the stock, and ensuring the outlet remained clean and organized. Over time, through dedication and perseverance, she learned many weaving techniques and gradually took on greater responsibilities. Today, she holds the position of Production Head, overseeing operations and supporting other women in their journey toward financial independence.
When Women on Wings senior business consultant Chanakya Mehta traveled to the northeastern state of Assam for a consulting session with our social enterprise partner AVACreations Foundation for Social Impact, he had the opportunity to meet Matu. Matu agreed to sit down for an interview about herself, her job, and how it has transformed her life.
Today, Matu is a proud Samarth-certified weaver, skilled in working with high-quality GI-certified Muga silk, Gamosa, and exquisite silk varieties like Eri, Mulberry, and Tassar. Her craftsmanship extends to handloom products and corporate gifting collections, each piece reflecting the rich heritage of her community.
Beyond weaving, Matu now supervises production and actively engages with customers, bridging the gap between artisans and buyers. Matu says her income has given her financial stability and a newfound respect within her community.
Empowerment through opportunity
While Matu’s education ended in the 9th class, working under the guidance of AVACreations has transformed her. Working with other women, and learning new skills like handloom weaving, customer service, financial transactions, supervising, and mentoring others have shaped her into what she describes as a responsible and confident leader. Today, she controls her earnings, enabling her to save and purchase what she needs.
“I like meeting new people, the customers. And I’m happy, I can buy what I like,” Matu says.
In a society where daughters are still often seen as a liability, where parents begin saving for their wedding expenses from the day they are born, Matu’s journey is one of quiet defiance and strength.
Without realizing it, Matu has been building an asset for herself, investing in gold with the same hands that once struggled to earn a living. This shift, from mere saving to intentional investing, is more than just financial progress, shows the transformative power of financial independence, not only in shaping individual lives but in redefining the future of entire communities.
A supportive community
AVACreations empowers women from rural and forest-dependent communities through sustainable livelihoods and skills training, primarily in handloom weaving and sericulture production. The foundation not only provides training in craft skills but also supports financial literacy and digital skills, equipping women with tools for a self-sufficient future.
Matu feels supported by and connected to the other women in her community. She finds joy in providing them with guidance, just as she once received. Matu has not only changed her life but also inspired those around her, including her newly married sister-in-law, who has now joined AVACreations to pursue financial independence.
She has become a quiet yet powerful advocate for women’s financial freedom in her community. Matu encourages other women to look beyond the forest for their livelihood, urging them to seek work that provides not just an income, but also purpose, dignity, and a sense of self-worth.
Matu’s aspirations beyond the loom
Matu’s job has introduced her to new friends and travel opportunities. While she enjoys her work, she still holds dreams of becoming a singer. Some of the things that bring her the most happiness are Assamese music, art, eating fish, and celebrating Assam’s vibrant Bihu Festival.
Scaling impact
Women on Wings collaborates with AVACreations to support the social enterprise’s long-term viability and growth so that even more women can be employed. Today, AVACreations is connected to over 385 artisans, many of whom come from forest-dwelling communities. They have established three community weaving centers, operate in three brand owned retail outlets and nine Shop in a Shops in a collaborative model with Taj Khazana, NEHHDC, NEDFi, NABARD, and have bold plans for expansion.
Matu’s journey, from a helper in the production process to a Production Head, demonstrates the profound impact that financial independence can have on a woman’s life.
Her story is not just about personal growth but about breaking cycles of dependence, redefining gender roles and empowering an entire generation of women to dream beyond societal expectations.
