Tie and Dye artisans of Rajasthan

AIACA has consistently been working with the craft enterprise, DishaShekhawati in Sujangarh, Churu District, since 2012 when it became a Craftmark member. Many of the women in Sujangarh were left to provide for themselves when their husbands migrated to Gulf countries in search of work. Disha began working with 40 such women and trained them in the craft of Tie and Dye. AIACA has carried out several interventions in Sujangarh including chemical and natural dye training, design development, training for organizational development, production management, and business and financial management. As a result of AIACA’s constant interventions, DishaShekhawati’s sales have improved substantially from INR 1,00,000 in 2012 to INR 18,00,000 in 2015. Disha’s products have not only received a great response in the retail market but have generated interest in the export market as well. Disha now works with 400 women artisans who are now paid INR 100-150 per dupatta as opposed to INR 10 per dupatta in 2010. Marked improvement in product quality and design has led to this increase in artisan wages and recognition as skilled artisans.