Pune, Maharashtra based Ekatra Handmade Collective try to be a harbinger of change in the life of their artisans. It is a female led brand where they try to ensure that their artisans gain new skills and financial independence – in the process of upcycling , recycling and making, they hope they end up applying the same in their day to day lives. With women empowerment at the core of everything they do, Ekatra engages women from underprivileged communities who are homemakers to become the artisans of their designs and their futures. The relationship with the artisans and the entire training and production process is managed by Sumitra & Minakshi Jhawar. These women come from different backgrounds and families – having often received little education. They scout them through the word of mount and networking of their Co-founder Meenakshi. They join them for a variety of reasons – each unique to their own set of circumstances. However, they all end up united by a passion for their work, skills and the realization that their involvement matters and that the initiative’s success is contingent on their dedication hard work and creativity.
