Zubaida’s Story
Zubaida and eleven other women in Khurbadaulla are women entrepreneurs, carrying forward a craft passed down through generations. The Salma Self-Help Group customizes hand-woven rugs and carpets to the exact needs of their customers, taking six days of careful work to produce a 4 × 6 rug. Zubaida herself expands her group’s clients by traveling to markets and haat bazaars across many cities to sell the products her group creates. Their income is not only their own economic empowerment, but also sustenance for their families.
With the support of AIF’s skill development and livelihoods program in Bhopal, a sample of their craftsmanship made its way to America. Once their work was listed online, their crafts earned new recognition — and more sales. Zubaida’s excitement extended far beyond the opportunity for skill development, the room to create new designs, and the prospect of extra income. For her, this was women’s empowerment in action through the securing of employment for her fellow sisters and a stable future for their children.
Her request to customers is simple: keep buying to help support women’s empowerment. She thanks the Aajeevika Mission of Madhya Pradesh and the American India Foundation for standing by them every step of the way.
As AIF marks 25 years of driving social change, you can help more women like Zubaida access skill development and livelihoods opportunities. Visit LINK to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What is the mission of AIF’s livelihoods program?
The mission of AIF’s livelihoods program is to expand access to work opportunities for vulnerable communities and empower them with skill development and sustainable livelihoods.
2) Who does AIF’s livelihoods program serve?
AIF’s livelihoods program serves women and youth from marginalized communities across India. Its long-term goal is to equalize the informal and formal sectors to provide equitable opportunities for all citizens.
3) How does AIF’s livelihoods program create impact?
AIF’s livelihoods program aims to create a reimagined job and entrepreneurship ecosystem in India that helps vulnerable communities build sustainable livelihoods. The initiatives under the Livelihoods portfolio include several integrated community-based interventions that provide these communities with access to dignified work opportunities.
4) What has been the impact of the livelihoods program so far?
AIF’s livelihood program has empowered over 3.9 million people, with 868,500 street vendors enrolled, 641,500 livelihoods created, 540,000 women impacted through skilling programs, and 306 skilling centers established.
5) How can I support AIF’s livelihood program?
You can make a meaningful difference by visiting aif.org to donate in honor of AIF’s 25th anniversary, helping empower women like Zubaida with the work opportunities they deserve.
