Anchal, India, October 2012

Our fall 2013 travel program includes a trip to India and we will be able to spend time with participants in this program.

Anchal The Mission: Anchal merges design, business, and education to empower marginalized and exploited women living in India.

Program Summary: Commercial sex workers (CSWs) in India have limited options to improve their lives. Anchal offers an income-generating option, training in regional kantha quilt making.

Anchal provides seed funding, design guidance including an annual, on-site design workshop in narrative textiles, and access to U.S. markets. Anchal is partnering with Indian NGO Anoothi to recruit CSWs, provide the workshop space and hire a local project manager to oversee the operation.

Anchal artisans make 33% more than they would as CSWs and are also provided with healthcare and education workshops. Starting in 2012, 5% of sales will be donated to an education scholarship fund for artisans' children. DFW's grant of $49,377 will support 32 CSWs in becoming full-time Anchal artisans.

Why we love this program: This is a life changing program for CSWs in India, and this is the first time DFW has supported such a program. By offering an alternative to the otherwise demeaning and dangerous work performed by CSWs, this program helps women rediscover their self-worth, their potential and creativity, and helps them become role models and providers for their families and communities.

Educational Materials: