Empowerment is not just about earning nor about formal literacy, but about what happens along the way.
Vinita’s story: 'फुल नाही तर पाकळी सही', which means ‘even if it is just a petal and not the whole flower, it is mine. I have earned it and am proud of my accomplishment.’ Born in a typical rural family Vinita’s education ended after 10th grade. Working mainly on the family farm after marriage, Vinita’s story of grit reflects the self-belief that Ohrna aims to create. Vinita was excited to work with Ohrna - it was not just money but also the art. She feels she has become more courageous and self-confident and learned the value of time. She has learned also to be a perfectionist and loves making mats and runners.
Artisan Salma’s son had only scraps of cloth, newspaper pieces and chalk to play with throughout an all day Ohrna workshop but at day’s end he was as full of glee as at start... .
Vishakha hails from India’s lush green Konkan region, known for people who are generous. Heavy workload on the farm led to her dropping out of school in 12th grade.Longing to work, Vishakha was determined to find a path to self employment that led her to Ohrna. She feels motivated because the products represent women like her. Many new things Vishakha learnt at Ohrna were the value of time and sticking to deadlines. Initially stressed, she is confident now. Embroidery was also a new skill but now she enjoys the art. A stitch worked is a penny earned. Vishakha works at her own schedule and puts away the entire amount she earns to buy gold for her daughters’ trousseau.
Seema Satish Chavan felt 'There should be more to life than just school, getting married and having children – is this all what life is about?’ she questioned herself. Her deep desire to do something for herself as well as women like her led her on a search for work to Manndeshi and then to Ohrna. ‘Life can't just be about eating, living and then going away from this world!’ She expects that Ohrna will create the opportunity for her to train more women who will then be able to earn and the art will also stay alive. 'In life, we may have less, but it should be satisfying. She believes that one should be able to do according to one’s potential and then leave this earth!
Ohrna believes in responsible design. Our focus is fourfold: use of sustainable materials, employment of rural and home-bound women, preservation of rich craft traditions and packaging in up cycled materials. We train for free and often employ women with minimum skills. We design to customers' needs and also constantly adapt our designs for ease of making, for our makers.