Freedom to dream

One of our weekly group discussions was on the theme of dreams in life. The women artisans shared their dreams – good education for children, children’s well-being, and children growing up well and settling well. All their dreams were about their families and children. There was the intense wish in all of them that their hard work would give the family what it needs and to see their children grow up and thrive. It was quite natural that this was part of every woman’s dreams. “What are your dreams, for yourself?” asked the facilitator with a smile. The sharing wasn’t as spontaneous as talking about their children, families. The women had to think. They aren’t so used to dreaming about their future, growth and joy, something for themselves. They looked at each other and smiled at the question. Laxmi, an illiterate Nepali woman who had migrated with her husband and two sons seven years earlier and had been with Sakhi since then, said, “mere sapne tho mar gaye” – “my dreams died”. It was a strong statement that shook me to the core. There was an intense silence among the women who looked at Laxmi in acknowledgement of what she expressed.

Women in rural communities lack access to opportunities for their well-being. Family chores from early morning before the family wakes up till late in the night after everyone goes to bed are the norm. These women are strong, loving, wise, resilient and gifted with their hands that make beautiful crafts. They lack opportunities to take care of themselves – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and the exposure to see the larger world.

The women need wages to support their families, educate their children. This is fundamental to their empowerment. But this would satisfy them only on one level of being a human. What makes them joyful are the opportunities for their physical well-being, to dream, sing, dance, discover about themselves, and grow so that they can fully experience the joy and beauty of life. 

Sakhi was founded as a brand and a nurturing environment giving opportunities to women artisans for financially rewarding work with fair wages, self-discovery through various activities so that they can, like others, live holistic lives. Self-discovery is not a luxury but a fundamental need, when we become aware of it.

Devi Namasivayam

Founder, Sakhi