The National Commission for Women (NCW) organized an exhibition of products created by talented women artisans from Gujarat at Canada House in order to promote the economic inclusion and empowerment of women artisans and celebrate their traditional crafts and art. The event was hosted in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad.
The exhibition aimed at providing a platform for around 20 female artisans from different districts in Gujarat to showcase their skills and traditional knowledge, empowering them and promoting their products. It also highlighted the unique and exquisite handicrafts created by these talented women artisans.
Ms Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women along with Ms. Amanda Strohan, Acting High Commissioner of Canada to India and Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad, inaugurated the exhibition.
The event focused on showcasing the unique and exquisite handicrafts produced by these skilled artisans and also enable them to expand the reach and visibility of their products. It also gave the visitors an opportunity to appreciate the women's work, learn about their craft, and support them by purchasing their products.
“These handicrafts produced by women artisans are a result of their creativity, expertise, and traditional techniques passed down from generations and through this exhibition we aim to provide them a platform to showcase their products, gain recognition, expand their reach, and increase their sales.
In addition, the exhibition also aims to create more job opportunities for women and give a boost to the local economy. The National Commission for Women is committed to supporting and uplifting the talented women artisans of our country and this exhibition is an important step towards the Commission's vision of creating a world where women have equal opportunities and rights. Such initiatives help in empowering women to make decisions that shape their lives and communities,” said Ms Sharma.
"Canada and India share a common goal of promoting women's empowerment and economic inclusion. We are committed to the full and equal participation of women in the economy, as it is essential to our shared competitiveness and resilience. The High Commission of Canada in India works with the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to organize various capacity-building and awareness campaigns focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment. The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is another mechanism used by the High Commission of Canada to support projects in India that focus on women's empowerment and skill development," said the Acting High Commissioner of Canada to India.
Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said, “We are privileged to be supported by the Government and corporates in the mega task of upscaling the handloom and the handicraft industries and introducing best practices for brighter business prospects. We are orienting these sectors to innovation, creativity, marketing strength and entrepreneurial competence. The artisans and weavers under the projects of Handmade in India and the Hast Kala Setu have noticeably progressed. It is deeply satisfying to witness these sectors record overwhelming success."
The handicrafts sector is a powerful tool for women's empowerment as it provides employment opportunities to women based on their traditional knowledge and skills. By promoting the traditional knowledge and skills of women artisans, the exhibition not only boosts India's cultural economy but also provides a platform to showcase their talents in front of a wider audience. It will provide an opportunity for these women to connect with buyers and consumers, thereby promoting their products in the market.
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SS/AKS
(Release ID :244389)