Case Study: Shehnaz’s Knitting Revolution in Mundwad
Meet Shehnaz, the driving force behind a knitting revolution in Mundwad. What began as a personal hobby has blossomed into a community empowerment initiative, transforming the lives of women in her village through skill, determination, and shared success.
Shehnaz, originally from Agra Cantt, lived with her ex-army husband during his service, where she developed her skills in nail knitting. When her husband retired and they returned to Mundwad, what started as a domestic activity soon became something much bigger.
Recognizing Shehnaz’s talent, CherYsh saw an opportunity to turn her knitting passion into a thriving business. With CherYsh’s support, Shehnaz began sharing her craft with around 50+ women in the village. This initiative gave each participant artisan cards, which not only identified them as artisans but also enabled them to participate in exhibitions across cities like Kolkata, Bangalore, Nagpur, and Pune. The exposure helped the women broaden their horizons and gain recognition for their work.
Shehnaz highlights the economic impact this initiative has had on the women in her community. By earning additional income from their knitting, these women have gained financial independence, all while balancing their regular activities. Their travels to various cities exposed them to new experiences, from visiting beaches to navigating sleeper buses and trains—experiences that have taken them far beyond their previous village life.
Driven by a desire to uplift other women in her village, Shehnaz finds joy in seeing them become financially independent and empowered. For her, this work is not just about knitting—it’s about transforming lives and creating opportunities for others.
CherYsh’s collaboration with V-Act NGO expanded market linkages for Shehnaz and her team, bringing more opportunities their way. Additionally, Shehnaz received advanced training from NIFT Bangalore, and in turn, she trained around 70 NIFT students in nail knitting, enhancing both her expertise and that of others.
Shehnaz recognizes the challenge of convincing women to step out of their comfort zones and turn their skills into profitable ventures. She firmly believes that government jobs alone cannot provide for everyone and encourages others to seize opportunities, such as the Artisan cards, to create sustainable livelihoods.
Now, Shehnaz has her sights set on an exhibition in Delhi, eager to explore new designs in nail knitting and further expand her business. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of skills, community collaboration, and the ripple effect of empowerment. From Agra Cantt to Mundwad, Shehnaz’s journey is a shining example of how CherYsh’s creating opportunities and fostering creativity can shape a brighter future for women in the community.
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