‘Of women, by women, for women’, was the motto behind the Mahila Haat organised by Nav Bharat Sewa Samiti at the Universal Public School, Preet Vihar, last week. The objective of the event was to showcase the entrepreneurship skills of women from slums and rural areas.
The 118 stalls exhibited products created and inspired by women. Tara Mahamne, residing in a slum and an active community member, who arranged the items for her stall one day before the event, said, “My husband doesn’t earn much. So, I am doing this for my kids and it makes me proud. This has come as an opportunity to show my abilities. I am participating in the fashion show too.”
Rachnatmak Sewa Sangathan, an NGO, showcased cloth spun by women from Uttar Pradesh villages and women inmates of Tihar. “We provide them employment. The items women use are costlier than those used by men. Therefore, it also fetches more profit. We are only providing them infrastructure to earn while they are at home,” said a member of the Sangathan.
A Madhubani painting made with organic colours — displayed at a stall run by women from Bihar — depicting their livelihood was a fine example of their determination. As Miriam Kumari pointed out, rural women can’t travel far to promote their art and thus remain unrecognised. She views the Haat as a chance for them to display their skills.
Mahesh Giri, manager and organiser of the event, explained, “Empowering a woman empowers a home, a society and a nation.” Speaking of the beneficiaries of this project, he remarked, “A woman’s ability is limited to her home and she can’t reach out to the commercial markets. We have provided them with visiting cards and pamphlets for future use. Creating a chain out of this, we have brought out the concept of Mahila Haat that aims at self-respect and empowerment.” He has plans to expand the idea to the whole of Delhi.
Singing, mehendi and rangoli competitions were also held during the event aptly reflecting the motivation and excitement among the girls. Shweta, a 10th Standard student participant from the Nari Lakshaya Sewa Samiti, said that she had never participated in such a competition before. This has raised her morale to do more in future.
Women Achiever Awards were also given to commemorate the success of those who have made significant strides in their field. Members of Delhi Police gave safety tips and demonstrated self-defence techniques at the event.
