Samhali Trust's Empowement Centre in Setrawa / by Jessica Marteinson

A woman works away at a sewing project, possibly a garment for herself or someone in her family, or even for someone in the community who has commissioned the work. Learning to sew gives women in the small desert village of Setrawa the possibility of earning their own income, allowing them to support themselves and their family.

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The Setrawa Empowerment Centre is run by #SambhaliTrust, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women and girls. Based in Jodhpur, #SambhaliTrust runs various programs that provide education, vocational training and support to women, with the aim of breaking the cycle of property.

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The women are focused and serious about what they are doing. The opportunity to pursue a personal dream, in a society where they are oppressed and suffer economically, is invaluable.

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There is a sense of camaraderie in the empowerment centers and that the women who attend the sewing program support each other is evident at every turn.

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The pride that these women have is clear, as you watch them work and when you witness the completion of a project. The aim of the 12 month sewing program offered by #SambhaliTrust is to provide each graduate with their own sewing machine, so that they can continue to sew at home and provide an income for their family.

To learn more about @SambhaliTrust and how you can help, visit their website: www.sambhali-trust.org/

Photos taken in Setrawa, Rajasthan, India. November 2018.

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