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SheSpoke Skilling and Placement Program:
Launched in July 2025 with Deva Foundation in Varanasi, the SheSpoke Skilling and Placement Program delivered 15+ expert‑led workshops conducted by trainers from Jagdish Das Shah & Company (JDS Varanasi), across multiple centres in Varanasi, including Dharamsangh, Sonarpura, and the ANVITA branch, with a formal certification granted at the conclusion for 100+ women. Using the CraftSpoke Handbook as a guide, participants learnt textile basics, product creation through stitching and block‑printing, and essential personal finance skills. Each participant received a formal certification, preparing them for future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The results speak for themselves. In just two weeks, participants produced over 100+ bags beautifully crafted bags across 16 unique designs, some inspired by the timeless ghats of Banaras and the iconic Prinsep Ghat in Kolkata. Each piece reflects not only artisanal skill but also personal pride and creativity. At the end of the workshops, 48 bags were being produced every 2-3 days and 4 women were also provided permanent employment at JDS Banaras.
Beyond the craft itself, the program has already begun to create meaningful change: several women are now being connected to local businesses for employment, while others are exploring pathways to launch their own entrepreneurial ventures. The SheSpoke initiative is more than training, it is a platform for these women to transform their talent into sustainable livelihoods, carrying forward stories of culture and resilience in each and every product they create themselves.
Nine months after the initial training, we revisited the SheSpoke centre to reconnect with the participants and understand the longer-term impact of the programme. It was encouraging to see how many women had continued to build on their skills, producing thoughtfully designed bags, each reflecting a growing sense of confidence and individuality.
Beyond the craft itself, early signs of economic independence were beginning to emerge. Some participants are now exploring opportunities with local businesses, while others are considering small entrepreneurial ventures. 4 women were even able to secure permanent employement under JDS Banaras. The visit reinforced how SheSpoke is evolving beyond a training initiative into a sustained platform for creativity, agency, and livelihood-building.
WeSpoke Together Digital Showcase
WeSpoke Together Digital Showcase
In December 2025, I created an e-commerce platform; linked here - https://www.kaarinaari.com/ , to display some of the products created by the female weavers and designers from Varanasi as part of and post the SheSpoke skilling sessions. With each bag priced at ₹500 and yielding a profit of ₹150, the project generated a total profit of ₹1,70,100, of which ₹1,19,070 was reinvested to sustain production, account for material cost fluctuations, and support further experimentation and scaling alongside supporting further skill development for the creators.
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