United Way Kolkata (UWK) is a not-for-profit that mobilizes communities, corporations, institutions, and volunteers to create sustainable social impact to bring about positive change. As part of the global United Way network, UWK implements high-impact programmes geared towards building stronger and more inclusive communities through strategic partnerships, innovation, locally driven solutions, and collective action. By connecting resources with local needs, UWK works on building healthy communities, youth opportunities, financial security, and community resiliency across Eastern India.
PROJECT ZARIAAH
AN INITIATIVE FOR ARTISAN DIGNITY, INCOME SECURITY, PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING AND TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP AMONG TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS AND AT-RISK GIRLS
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This pilot proposes an innovative, trauma-informed livelihoods model for Zari artisans in the Sundarbans region and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence and systemic economic exclusion. Moving beyond traditional skill-building, the project integrates income generation, psychosocial wellbeing, and ethical market access to build sustainable, dignity-centred livelihoods. The project is geared to assess needs and address these through a three-pronged approach that is aimed at (i) citizenship level (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.), (ii) entrepreneurial level (digital literacy, financial training, market linkages, etc.) and (iii) psychosocial level (counselling, well-being centred activities/exercises, peer learning, etc.)
OBJECTIVE
To test a scalable, trauma-informed model that strengthens income, agency, and wellbeing among women zari artisans through market-linked, collective approaches.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES
20 zari artisans, in the age group of 18 -25 years, survivors of gender-based violence (sexual abuse/domestic violence/trafficking) or at-risk for trafficking. An extended group of 50-70 beneficiaries will receive training through online sessions on financial and digital literacy and entrepreneurial strategies.
OUTCOMES
Creation of 2 Artisan Hubs, located in South 24 Parganas (Canning/Lakshmikantapur) and North 24 Parganas (Basirhat/Hasnabad) through which the project seeks to ensure:
1.Women’s economic empowerment
2.Sustainable livelihoods
3.Innovation through integrated mental health and livelihoods programming
4.Scalable, evidence-based model with replication potential
FUTURE GOALS
The pilot will inform the development of an artisan-led enterprise or collective model. A digital platform (“Zariaah”) for direct-to-consumer marketplace and narrative integration is envisioned for subsequent phases.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTED BY
Sanjog India & United Way Kolkata
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PROJECT ZARIAAH: AN INITIATIVE FOR ARTISAN DIGNITY, INCOME SECURITY, PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING AND TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP FOR TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS AND AT-RISK GIRLS
Impact 360 Foundation, FE-68, Sector III, Salt Lake Rd, Near Central Park, Karunamoyee, Kolkata, West Bengal 700106, India
Phone Numbers-+91-9903894994 , +91-8436063099
Email: tsw25k@impact360.org.in