The Purnkuti-Dhara-The Project for Empowerment of Women aims to provide sustainable development and opportunities to underprivileged women for empowerment and to improve their standard of living through various livelihood promotion and entrepreneurship development programs. The word “Dhara” means “stream.” Purnkuti wants to integrate women into the process of development.
Project Dhara
In Bihar, the Dhara project was launched in 2016 to assist the mothers of the Waterlily Public School in pursuing livelihood opportunities. Women were trained in applique work, Sujani art, Sindi Kadai, Katha, and Madhubani art. Purnkuti supports women in purchasing raw materials as well as in selling finished goods at various exhibitions, business sales events, and online platforms.
These women created products that have gotten great feedback. Lately, women can support their families by working hard and earning respectable wages, women talk about having earned the respect of their partners and other family members.
Based on this positive experience, the organization began working in Pune, Maharashtra’s Wadgaonsheri, and Budhwar Peth with women who are migrant workers, domestic workers, daily wage earners, and sex workers.
Purnkuti NGO has created its brand called ’Label Purnkuti’ where it created various products prepared by the women beneficiaries based across locations and sells the products on various online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.
Lives Impacted
Maharashtra | Bihar
What we do?
- Dhara initiative was launched in Budhwar Peth, Pune, to give employment to migrant women, female sex workers, and transgenders.
- Purnkuti provided them with food throughout the COVID-19 lockdown and set up a learning centre for their children to keep them active in academics and other developmental activities. We also offered the female beneficiaries counselling support to safeguard their emotional health.
- We also provided online training and counselling to female sex workers, transgender persons, and those living with HIV.
Success Story
Journey of Mahadevi Pujari
“After my husband passed away, in the year 2013 it was very difficult for me to take care of three kids and myself. I had never stepped out of the house and thought of getting a job. With the support of family and friends, I got some help to stay in the city and educate my children. I started doing small-time work, I was able to make the day’s end, but it was challenging to keep up with the demands of the children. This is when through a community worker, I got to know about Purnkuti and Dhara projects. I immediately joined the course, as it taught us skills that could be operated from home. I learned tailoring and bakery products, while the latter caught my interest. With the guidance of the trainer, I was able to make chocolates at home and sold them in my vicinity. I started to generate income and slowly I got more orders. Today my son has started a job and I cannot be happier to be a part of Purnkuti and its family thank you for supporting me during my tough time and building my confidence.”
Journey of Sunita Raikari
“The year 2014, was a time for drastic change, as my husband passed away, leaving me behind with 3 children. I had no idea about how to make money and I was devastated about doing it all alone. Picking small-time work, I was able to raise minimal funds to survive in a city, as I wanted the best for my children, and I knew retreating to the village would not help in doing the same. One day a community worker told me about Purnkuti and its skilling courses under the Dhara project. I was very happy to get to know them, as it was happening in my community for very little time invested that day. So, I could continue to do the small-time work and learn to stitch blouses and dresses, as well as bakery products like biscuits and nankatai. I started baking at home and with word of mouth I was able to scale the selling of bakery items. I have now started to take orders during the seasons of Diwali and Christmas. I feel very confident and can live with respect. Today, I have been able to get my daughter married and my son works as a driver. It is all possible due to the continuous efforts of team Purnkuti. I would like to thank, Purnkuti for helping me become financially independent and support my children in their crucial time.”
Testimonials
The Dhara initiative by Purnkuti has really aided me in generating income. I was working before, but it wasn’t enough to make my ends meet. My confidence grew as I started the training. With the assistance of Purnkuti, I am now able to generate a respectable livelihood and provide for my family’s daily needs.
Purnkuti has given me a platform to earn, learn and explore my potential. I have been associated with Purnkuti for the past few years and have always been supported by them. They provided me with a livelihood that is far more empowering than anything else that I could have done on my own. Their training helped me to create a product which I am proud to offer from my home kitchen. Through the sale of these products, I can support myself and keep my children in.
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