In 2012, Profugo started a Tailoring Training Program within our Center of Development. It was a program designed to teach women in an agricultural community the basics of tailoring. What developed from this program went far beyond technical skills, and far beyond what we expected. These women generated income that helped provide for their families. They became motivated, confident, and empowered. They became leaders in their community-something that is truly impressive in a patriarchal society.
The Profugo Market was launched, not only to help these individual women, but their village to rise out of poverty. Today, you can find their beautiful hand-made products on sites such as Storenvy, Profugo’s webstore, craft fairs, and a select number of boutiques. We want to share the experiences of these women in an effort to show that the Profugo Market goes beyond the beautiful products we sell!
Lalitha:
“Before joining the tailoring center, I was a daily laborer. As my husband could not contribute enough to the family income due to his poor health conditions, I had to leave home early morning for work. My life was full of sorrows. But now I am happy. Still my husband is not able to go for regular work. Main source of income for the family comes from my work in the Profugo Tailoring Program. Now I can manage any difficult situations in my life. The realization that every month I have a regular source of income to support my family keeps me going.”
Manoji:
“Now people have realized the importance of work done by Profugo in the community. In the beginning people had a mixed opinion about our work. Now everyone appreciates us for taking up this challenge. Other women in the neighborhood look at us respectfully. They often tell us that you are lucky people because you have a regular source of income. Men also have a great appreciation for our work.”
Anila:
“My life totally changed after coming here. I was very silent. My self confidence level was very poor. My husband recently told me that there is a lot of positive changes in me. Financially we are very poor. But I have a little savings now. Last month I bought a new spice grinder and a dresser.”
Beena:
“I was a person who always remained at home doing household activities. My major responsibilities were preparing food and washing the cloths of [my] husband and children. But as a member of Profugo’s Tailoring Program, now I realize that lot of changes have brought about in my life over the past two years. The most important learning is that I understood the value of work. Now I know how to use my money prudently. I know the difficulties in earning money. In the past I was not at all bothered about the things happening outside my family. I believed that everything I need will be provided my husband. Now I believe that I too have an important role in my family and I also can be a financial contributor in the family. This realization helped me a lot in changing my life perceptions. Profugo gave me an opportunity to explore my potentials.”
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These women still face hardships and financial burdens, but the Profugo Market has provided them with some sense of financial stability. More importantly, it has empowered them. The story of our store goes far beyond price tags and fair trade practices. The real story is one about the spirit of women from a rural Indian village, who seized an opportunity to change their own lives!
(names have been changed to protect the privacy of the women)
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