SHE spreads her wings

In 2014, Ethical Fashion Forum, invited SHE at a panel meeting at Porticus house, Parliament, London, and recognisedKantha asan ethically sustainable fashion form. This was a matter of great pride for all, as SHE has been working towards this very concept for nearly 30 years.

For EFF, ethical fashion represents an approach todesign, sourcing and manufacture of clothing which maximises benefits to people and communities while minimizing impact on the environment.... yet, it carries on from generation to generation.

This last point is very significant in SHE's Kantha projects... Kantha keeps the rural women happy and busy, and is an income generating opportunity for them. In addition to this, the men of the house respect them; and they get a sense of achievement and self worth.

• Today, SHE is spearheading training programmes in Kantha, natural dyes and other related activities to rural women in various districts of Bengal.
• In 2004 and 2005, SHE sponsored two artisans to visit Santa Fe for the annual market organized by the Museum of International Folk Art Market.
• Loans for purchase of computers for children, health issues or home construction are also given, when required.
• “SHE Awards for Excellence” in Kantha, were given to Kantha artisans in 2011, by the then Governor of West Bengal Shri M.K. Narayanan, at Raj Bhavan.