Economic Empowerment of Rural Women and Job Security Programme in Kutch, Gujarat

The people of Kutch possess a variety of cultural colours that are unique to this region. There are about 16 different communities with 25 sub-groups identified with embroidery traditions. They are an interesting mix of Hindu and Muslim communities, most of whom have migrated and settled in Kutch over a long period of time.

Outputs Under Phase I

• collected socioeconomic information on all the ethnic-and sub-groups in the Kutch district and their specific traditional embroidery styles;
• conducted training workshops on computing skills;
• developed multimedia training material and database on the ethnic population and their traditional designs, colour combinations and stitches on CD-ROM; and
• created networks with national and local partners to support activities.

Objectives of Phase II

• To re-educate women artisans in their traditional crafts in hand embroidery and textile industries specific to each ethnic group in the district of Kutch.
• To enable the women to organize and supervise ethnic textile production in order to meet both domestic and international market standards.
• To enhance the quality of the production and to improve the training and marketing skills of the women.
• To use the results and experiences from this pilot project for expanding income generating activities in traditional arts in other States of India.