ASHA instilling ‘HOPE’ in the lives of Indian artisans
In India one out of 3 girls from the middle- and low-income families are married before the age of 18. This practice still exists in the interior regions towards the northern parts of the country. Living in acute poverty many of them are unable to provide even the basic necessities for their families.
Champa Devi was born into one such family, who were unable to even send her to the local government school. She had to drop out of school at the age of 13 with no choice. A young teenager then had no choice but simply stay back home and manage the everyday household chores. Little did she know she would soon find herself in a different home as she was married off at the age of 16 without any say in the matter.
In no time she found herself as the mother to 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter. She lived with her husband and children in a rented home. Champa and her husband managed to provide for their children to the best of their abilities and sent them to school to receive a formal education. They desire to give the children what they missed out was their only goal. A young doting mother worked day and night caring for her children and managing the household responsibilities. Her husband worked out while she stayed home to be with the children.
In 2012 her husband fell ill with appendicitis and it brought another struggle in Champa’s life. As he gradually recovered, the family fell into debt to procure medicines and aftercare for her husband. This unexpected turn of events put great strain on Champa as she faced the burden of the only income that came to a halt.
In desperation she stepped out looking for employment and secured work with a manufacturer, supplier and exporter of a large variety of bags associated with Asha Handicrafts Association. Champa joined as a helper humbly willing to do any work to support her family. However, her passion and diligence towards her work allowed her to learn sewing.
In the midst of all that is happening in her life, 32-year-old Champa today sits behind the sewing machine, creating artistic bags of diverse colour and design. She has patiently continued working with this production unit for the last 6 years. Asha Handicrafts Association has been providing consistent work for Champa Devi and many others working with her. In an attempt to make life more meaningful for her, Asha Handicrafts has also embraced her children to provide educational aid for their schooling.
Asha Handicrafts strives to reach out to many women like Champa Devi all over India to provide health, education and social welfare programs. Over 4 decades team Asha endeavours to create opportunities for the socially and marginalised women artisans through long term trading partnerships with the suppliers who employ them.