Women on Wings social enterprise partner since April 2021
Providing alternate livelihood to communities living on the fringes of protected forest goes a long way in supporting wildlife conservation. Women on Wings’ partner PashooPakshee generates income for these communities by creating wildlife-inspired souvenirs which reduces their dependence on the forests that they live in. Wildlife related home décor, accessories and apparel are handmade by -mostly- women and sold in souvenirs shops at national wildlife parks and online.
Earning an income from these wildlife inspired products, changes the outlook of people living in protected forests towards wildlife conservation as a path to prosperity rather than a hinderance. 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.
The products that PashooPakshee produces are designed in-house by its designers and craft experts. Local artisans from marginalized communities living in ‘wildlife conflict areas’ make the products, which include stuffed toys, T-shirts, stoles, papier maché idols, key chains, and more, all with a wildlife design. PashooPakshee’s constant endeavor is to make maximum utilization of local art and crafts and create products that are relevant to its customers. Products are sold at souvenir shops at India’s tourist wildlife destinations, such as Pench National Park and Kanha National park, and via e-commerce.
PashooPakshee believes in creating self-sustaining livelihood models by offering sales and marketing support and product improvements based on market feedback. It nurtures local entrepreneurs who can manage the supply chain right from procurement of raw materials, manufacturing, inventory management, quality control up to the supply of finished products to points of sale.
