Women Artisans in Janakpur

Janakpur Arts and Crafts Center was the first artisan workshop we associated ourselves with over a year ago.This woman-owned and operated center produces original and distinctive designs and has been running for over 15 years. Janakpur is located in the southeast region of Nepal bordering India and is a world away from Kathmandu. The illiteracy rate is over 65% and education is still not looked at as a priority for many families in the area. Most of the women that work at the center have not been to school and some have tragic and painful stories of family abuse, personal loss, extreme poverty and caste discrimination.

The employment opportunity the center provides these women not only offers them a financial income, it also encourages their creativity and self confidence. By working at the center and gaining economic independence, they are role models for their daughters and success stories in their communities. The artisans work either at the center or in the comfort of their own homes (some of their husbands do not allow them to leave the house). Each artisan is specially-trained in a certain aspect of production, for example, master fabric cutter, detail painter, tailor, designers, etc.

On my current trip to the Center, I was able to meet up with women who we have worked with from the beginning. It was great to hear their stories and find that most of them are healthy. Ranju, the master seamstress who makes our cushion covers, has recovered fully from an emergency hysterectomy. That is good news. And since we were there last, they have added 5 women on staff. It is great to go into the workshop and be remembered and feel natural amongst the women artisans. We am proud to be working with them, for them and creating a connection between them and YOU!