Rajasthan
“I loved shooting in Setrawa. I was taken in by the quiet dignity of these women, with all they endure. In Setrawa, many of the women seemed to be there just to be together, to support each other. I just wanted to try to capture that.”
Jessica Marteinson for Photographers Without Borders.
Taken in Setrawa, India. November 2018.
The Sambhali Boutique is something you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Jodhpur, especially if you’re shopping for family and friends back home. Here you’ll find unique, handmade items, all in support of a great cause - women’s empowerment.
The Sambhali Boutique storefront in November, 2018. While it has since moved, it’s still located in Jodhpur’s city center.
The block-printed scarves, hand-made and embroidered toys, clothes, bags and accessories available in the shop all have been produced locally in the Sambhali Studio, staffed with graduates from the Sambhali Empowerment Centres. The Sambhali Studio currently employs 29 women.
The steady income the women earn allows them to provide for themselves and their children. Younger women are able to become more independent, deferring marriage and increasing the chance that they will experience greater equity with their future husbands. In a society where women face poverty, discrimination and violence, and where child marriage still regularly occurs, the Sambhali Studio provides a tremendous opportunity for women to take more control of their life and regain their sense of worth.
All items are tagged with the name of the woman who produced it, adding a personal touch.
The money you spend at the Sambhali Boutique goes directly to the women who work in the Studio and to Sambhali Trust. I’m always looking for opportunities when I travel to give back and this is one small way. And, you’ll come away with some absolutely beautiful items to help you remember your time in Jodhpur and India.
Order online or visit one of the Boutique’s two locations in Jodhpur.
http://sambhali-trust.org/_sambhali-boutique/index.php
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All throughout our visits to the Sambhali Trust Empowerment Centres, we met lots of kids. We were reminded that kids are kids, no matter where you go in the world - curious, playful and full of energy. While life around them is hard, due to the poverty and discrimination they face, the time spent at Sambhali provides respite and a opportunity to learn and play.
They were also keen to be photographed and know how to pose for the camera!
Photos taken in Setrawa, Rajasthan, India. November 2018.