This project strengthened the livelihoods of women artisans in Uttarakhand by providing business development support, leadership training, and market access opportunities for their hand-crafted products.

With support from IDS, Himalayan Naari worked to build a sustainable artisan-led enterprise that creates economic opportunities for rural women through traditional knitting and handicraft production. The project focused on strengthening business operations, expanding market access, and developing leadership skills among local artisans. IDS funding helped improve product design, marketing, and business infrastructure, enabling artisans to significantly increase sales of their hand-knitted products in international markets. Revenue grew from approximately $5,000 to $15,000, demonstrating the success of the initiative in creating sustainable income opportunities for participating women. The project also supported the development of a professional website, marketing materials, product labeling systems, and business management tools. At the community level, leadership responsibilities were gradually transferred to local women, empowering them to manage operations, lead membership meetings, and make decisions about the future of the enterprise. Through leadership workshops, skills training, and collaboration between artisan groups, the project strengthened women's economic independence and community leadership while preserving traditional crafts.