In order to maintain traditions and preserve the dignity of traditional skills, it is necessary for artisans to find a way to make their work commercially viable. They must unite and promote themselves with confidence.
The women of Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS) have been working since 1989 to improve their situation through workplace initiatives and community health improvement strategies. Their work is part of a rural development project designed to connect distinct tribal communities. It is one of the most successful co-operatives in the area, with over 8000 members, 1800 of whom are embroiderers.
KMVS members from the tribes of the Kutch work together. Collectively, they set standards of quality while maintaining their unique traditions. To ensure equity and build confidence decisions regarding costing, design and organization are subject to a vote. In this way responsibility for the direction of the embroidery is placed where it is most appropriate - in the hands of the women who create it.
