Minchu: A livelihoods intervention project of the IIMB

Abstract

The fairly long period of the study and the constant engagement with study participants gave the study team an opportunity to explore livelihood options for the participants. 50% of the households were Muslims who possessed the skill of hand embroidery and it was decided to establish a venture based on this skill. Funds from the CPP were used to upgrade skills and linkages were established with various outlets for marketing these skills. Students from the Srishti School of Design, Art and Technology worked with the newly trained artisans to develop fashion accessories based on hand embroidery as new products (other than saris and dress materials which the artisans traditionally embroidered). The Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation funded the training of a bigger group of artisans.