The project focuses on building capacities of women artisans of Bagalkote and Channapatna of Karnataka to facilitate improved livelihoods. These handloom and handicraft artisans are engaged in weaving of Ilkal sarees and manufacturing of handmade wooden toys. For this purpose, development and implementation of capacity building modules will be based on identification and understanding of gaps between the needs of artisans and the skill development programmes currently being implemented by the Government.
By aiming to develop a deep understanding of the barriers that women face in various stages of the value chain of these crafts products, the project emphasises on addressing three primary concerns related to (1) the recognition of women’s traditional knowledge systems and skill sets in perpetuating specific traditional art forms, (2) identification of gaps in the skill base of women that prevents access to opportunities (such as markets or training), and (3) fostering methods and mechanisms of capacity building by which social and knowledge networks can be formed between and among women artisans to create craft communities. In order to address all the above concerns, the project focuses on the role of capacity building activities in enabling connections not only to markets or to specific skilling programmes or schemes, but also to build relationships with other women crafts persons and artisans. This will help women in craft to be able to leverage their skills and knowledge in order to improve their livelihood security and socio-economic mobility.
Thus, the project aims to identify gaps in existing skill development programmes for craftspersons through research and to develop and implement capacity building modules for craftspersons which address these gaps and facilitate improved livelihood security and recognition for women artisans.
Photo: Channapatna Toys: Wooden toy making process; Dastkari Haat Samhiti; 2018
