Women of Jeevanpur embark on path to self-reliance

In the heart of Jeevanpur village, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Ten women, bound by shared dreams and unyielding determination, have dared to rewrite their futures.

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These women belong to different self-help groups from the same village.  With a little more than just hope and perseverance, they have come together to build ‘Ludhiana Jute Fashion,’ an enterprise that not only promises financial independence but also stands as a testament to their resilience.

For years, these women navigated the boundaries of tradition, balancing domestic responsibilities with their aspirations. Yet, despite the challenges, they found strength in unity. “I have responsibilities at home which held me back and never let me work outside the house. With this enterprise, I can work according to the timings I am comfortable with and earn a name for myself and some moolah too,” said Sarabhjeet Kaur as her voice tinged with both pride and relief.

The initiative is more than just a business—it’s a movement. Their handcrafted jute products, ranging from intricately designed bottle covers to elegant pouches, are not only a nod to sustainability but also a symbol of their newfound confidence. The process wasn’t easy; hours of training, meticulous planning, and sheer persistence led them to this moment.

Recently they underwent training conducted by district administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions and the State Livelihood Mission, Punjab. The training helped the women learn to make jute products, including lunch bags, bottle covers, carry bags, pouches and potlis, with and without embroidery. They were also provided raw materials and sewing machines.

The group has completed bank linkages, established a social media presence and created their business identity with visiting cards, laying the foundation for their entrepreneurial journey. In just two months, April and May, this group completed orders worth Rs 30,000.

Sukhwinder Kaur recalls their first handicraft fair, a defining experience. “Stepping out of the house for work felt entirely different. Managing everything on our own was daunting, but the satisfaction we felt at the end of the day—it was something else,” she reflected.

Baljinder Kaur echoed the sentiment, emphasising how this endeavour was not just about financial security but about reclaiming their identities. “We are making our own place in the world, promoting eco-friendly handmade jute products instead of plastic. This initiative is a strong step forward in making rural women financially independent, while also supporting the environment,” she says.

Their journey, though just beginning, is a powerful reminder of how courage, unity and vision can shape lives. As Jeevanpur’s women forge ahead, they stand as an inspiration to countless others—proof that change, no matter how small, starts with the decision to rise.