Growing Capabilities, Changing the Face of the Golibar Slum in MumbaiThe façade of Marketplace: Handwork of India's office was drab and dingy just like the rest of the structures in the Golibar. Marketplace, for those of you who are not aware, empowers women in India to break the cycle of poverty, as they become leaders in their neighborhoods, and effect lasting change in their communities.
The women artisans decided to make their mark and change that dynamic. Brainstorming together we discussed the values inherent to the Marketplace philosophy and then moved on to picturing this vision through symbols and color. In spite of this being such a completely new experience, the women were enthusiastic and fearless as they mixed paint, climbed scaffolding and transformed their environment. At the celebration to mark the conclusion of the painting the women shared their experience with others in the larger Marketplace community. One woman said, “know I can do many more things”. Another said "we are more capable I knew I could sow and do embroidery but I never knew I could also paint." |
|
