Community & Livelihood | Himalayan Education Foundation

Himalayan Naari

Women and men in the Himalayas have a long tradition of knitting and weaving beautiful, intricate clothing and blankets for their families. Now, through a partnership with the Himalayan Education Foundation, they are selling their products in the world market.

Mountain artisans have organized two groups: Himalayan Naari, a self -help group of knitters in Chakouri, and Maati, a women’s collective that specializes in weaving in Munsiyari. Over 90 women in these two communities are engaged in woolen crafts to improve their livelihood and the quality of life of their families.

“It used to be that people thought we knit because we had nothing else to do. Now people know that we are working to support our families and that our knitting is appreciated around the world.” Basanti Karki, Naari Coordinator

Partners

In a very short time, Himalayan Naari is on its way to becoming a sustainable business. With the help of designer Tricia Bendik of Bendikova, the artisans have developed some wonderful product lines for sale in the US. This success has been facilitated by their wonderful partnerships:

Himalayan Education Foundation provided the initial “seed donation”, and continues with coordination, renting the Women’s Center, marketing and sales support.
Shared Trade, a global on-line marketplace, assists the women in achieving economic empowerment through marketing and selling their products on the internet and at shows.
The Merrill Family Charitable Foundation has provided support for start-up efforts including the pilot project on natural yarns
A Circle of Sisterhood grant has given funding for computer equipment, as well as training in computer literacy, business and personal financial literacy.
Julia Olson, an American volunteer has spent the year in Chakouri helping the women learn about the computer, set up business record-keeping systems, and develop local leadership to assure product quality. Ramnagar is teaching computer literacy to the women in Munsiyari.
Himalayan Inter College in Chakouri makes its computer lab available to the women for training.
SoLight Designs, a social enterprise committed to provide light in the developing world, is making it possible for the women to have solar light in their homes.

Women in Chakouri are knitting colorful hats and scarves. In Munsiyari, the artisans are working in natural yarns, weaving beautiful angora scarves and shawls. In Dharma Valley, shepherds are gathering wool to be spun for the Naari natural wool hats. These products are available through this website, on-line through Shared Trade at Thistle Farms, at three retail outlets: Harrisville Designs, Joseph’s Coat and Harrisville General Store.

As a friend of Naari, you can have a “Chat and Chai” home party to support the artisan’s efforts. Contact Kathy Bollerud at bollerud2@gmail.com.

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