India generates 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, and the availability of affordable alternatives remains a challenge.
Our environment initiative provides the necessary support for enterprising, rural women to lead microenterprises of eco-friendly products that generate consistent income, employ more women, and form a part of the local circular economy.
a. Few women in Ayodhya do paid work, mostly as teachers or in government-related services. Despite limited opportunities close to home, many have an enterprising spirit - picking up skills like sewing or leaf plate-making and hoping to turn them into reliable income.
But building a livelihood requires more than a skill. It needs market connections, initial investment, and guidance to grow a business. Through Sarthi, we provide this support by enabling market linkages and providing initial raw materials and investment to help women start eco-friendly microenterprises that can grow to employ more craftspeople.
As Ayodhya grows as a tourist destination, these enterprises also offer sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics through locally made products such as millet or rice husk tableware, leaf plates, jute bags, handmade paper packaging, and terracotta items - celebrating what is local, sustainable, and handmade.
A sustainable microenterprise creates independence and dignity for rural women while bringing inclusive change in their community.
Your support ensures that a market of local, affordable, and eco-friendly alternatives is built and sustained, creating a model for inclusive growth.