Indian Awaz Foundation Launches Livelihood and Digital Empowerment Initiative for 50 Women Artisans in Sribhumi
NEDFi extends CSR support to strengthen traditional Sital Pati weaving and promote economic opportunities for Patiyara women.
Indian Awaz Foundation (IAF) has launched a six-month community-based initiative to strengthen traditional Sital Pati weaving and improve livelihood opportunities for 50 women artisans from the Patiyara community in the Kaliganj–Ratanpur area of Sribhumi district, Assam.
The initiative, titled Sital Pati Artisan Livelihood & Digital Empowerment Initiative, is being implemented with CSR support from the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi).
The programme aims to address key challenges faced by women artisans, including limited market access, low product prices, lack of modern designs and limited access to digital and government services.
The initiative will operate through two dedicated facilities: the Artisan Enterprise Centre and the Artisan Digital Seva Centre, coordinated by the Barak Development Center of Indian Awaz Foundation.
The Artisan Enterprise Centre will focus on improving product quality, introducing new designs, developing diversified Sital Pati products and creating market linkages through exhibitions, retail outlets, institutional buyers and corporate gifting opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Artisan Digital Seva Centre will assist artisans and their families in accessing government schemes, online registrations, digital services, documentation and other essential public services.
Speaking about the initiative, Md Nazim Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of Indian Awaz Foundation, said that the programme aims to connect traditional skills with modern opportunities. He emphasised that preserving Sital Pati weaving requires not only recognising its cultural value but also ensuring better markets, improved incomes and access to essential services for the women artisans.
He also expressed gratitude to NEDFi for supporting the initiative and strengthening traditional livelihoods.
Through this intervention, Indian Awaz Foundation aims to preserve the traditional craft while promoting women’s economic empowerment, digital inclusion and sustainable livelihood opportunities in the Barak Valley.
