Challenges They Face
Livelihood challenges
The seasonal fluctuations in demand for handicrafts result in unpredictable income and financial instability for artisans. High raw material costs and limited opportunities further exacerbate this situation.
Limited Market Access
Remote location and lack of digital literacy makes it difficult to reach national and international buyers directly.
Education Barriers
Traditional gender roles and economic pressures prevent many girls from continuing their education past primary school.
Lack of Tools and Training
The use of modern machinery and training can be a game-changer for the rural economy. So far, most of them are not able to purchase it
How do We Work?
Training Programs for Women Artisans
GVCS trains women through various training programs like skill development, design development, digital literacy, etc. Through these trainings, women not only upgrade their traditional craftsmanship, but they also update their art according to new designs and market requirements. So far, more than 50,000 women have benefited from these programs, and thousands of women have become self-reliant through their art.
Tool Kit and Sewing Machine Distribution
GVCS has played a key role as a facilitator, providing tool kits and sewing machines to thousands of artisans. This initiative has enabled women artisans to perform their work efficiently and effectively, helping them run their businesses smoothly. It has also boosted their productivity and self-reliance, making it a significant step towards the economic empowerment of artisans.
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Promotion of crafts at national and international level
The Foundation has taken significant steps to promote women artisans' handicrafts. It has organised national exhibitions and fashion shows, allowing artisans to showcase their products and connect with customers, leading to greater recognition of their craftsmanship. Additionally, the Foundation has arranged international programs in countries like the US, Germany, and Singapore, helping elevate Indian handicrafts on global platforms.
Operation of the Crafts Centres.
Operating craft centers in Barmer, Sanawada, and Mangata: These centers not only refine the artisan's skills in their craft, but also train them from a business perspective. These centers provide employment and self-reliance opportunities to women, and give them a platform to showcase their creations in the local and national market.
Construction of a stadium with global standards to promote sports
The new international standard stadium in Chava, Barmer, aims to provide top-notch facilities for local players, enabling them to compete internationally and enhance their skills. This initiative promotes sports and encourages youth to pursue a healthy lifestyle, boosting enthusiasm for sports and helping players realise their dreams.
Free of cost Health checkups and eye screening camps, Village to village
To ensure the good health of everyone, especially in remote regions, GVCS organises the health Camps and Eye Screening camps. So far, more than 40,000 people have been provided with free eye checkups and treatment. Additionally, spectacles and medicines were also distributed to the needy to solve their vision problems.
Solar Light Distribution
In remote border-side villages, limited access to electricity leads to long periods of darkness. To combat this, GVCS has distributed free solar lights, benefiting thousands of villagers. This initiative allows them to continue their daily activities at night and enhances the overall quality of life in these communities.
General Awareness Campaigns
GVCS and Ruma Devi Foundation consistently conduct awareness campaigns and rallies throughout the region to eradicate detrimental practices.
Assistance in a natural disaster : GVCS in CoVid-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation distributed masks, oxygen cylinders, and ration kits valued at Rs 4 crore to provide immediate assistance to the affected communities. Additionally, the Foundation ensured the availability of clean drinking water for both humans and animals during the summer season to prevent water shortages and their adverse effects on individuals and animals.
Tree Plantation Campaign
Under the auspices of environmental protection, the Foundation has embarked on an extensive plantation drive. The primary objective of this initiative is not only to safeguard the environment but also to foster a healthy and pristine environment for the future generations.
Vani-Utsav: the celebration of culture
The Foundation's Vani Utsav is an annual festival celebrating the traditional 'Vani Gayak' art form of Rajasthan. It honors local artists with awards and valuable musical instruments, promoting cultural heritage and encouraging the next generation to embrace these artistic traditions.
Ruma Devi – Sugni Devi Akshara Scholarship Program
The Ruma Devi – Sugni Devi Akshara Scholarship Program, supported by the Garhwal Family Foundation, supports students, athletes, and artists by enhancing access to higher education and personal development for those from rural backgrounds. It offers financial assistance, educational materials, and sports equipment to help them achieve their goals, motivating them to pursue their aspirations and shaping their futures.
REVIVE | SUSTAIN | EMPOWER
Whom do we work for?
Barmer, being the backwards area of western Rajasthan, GVCS is working for the Holistic Development of this sector, mostly for the upliftment of women, Dalits, and marginalised communities in the region. GVCS focus on women's development activities, which involve Health education, Livelihood, Skills, etc. We work for them to provide facilities to these beneficiaries at their home by conducting events and workshops for them. Income Generation programs are held to support these women to work for their livelihood.
The Thar Desert, spanning across Rajasthan, is more than just a landscape of golden sand and scorching heat. It's a vibrant ecosystem where communities have thrived for centuries, adapting to the harsh conditions with remarkable resilience.
Barmer is described as “Vestibule of the Rajasthani Culture” and called as a miniature Rajasthan with all its colour, warmth and tradition. The place is renowned for handicrafts, multi - hued traditional costumes etc.
"In the desert, we find colour. In scarcity, we create abundance. For our hands weave not just textiles, but dreams for our daughters."
Barmer, being a backwards region, faces different challenges and problems. Being a desert & borderline area, there is are lack of roads, a lack of Transportation, unfavourable climatic conditions, and Inaccessible areas. People here have to face different challenges to survive for their livelihood. Here, GVCS contributed differently to the lives of rural people, especially women.
The Golden Sands of Thar
The Artisans of Thar
Cultural Storytellers
Every stitch and pattern carries meaning - from desert flora and fauna to folktales passed down through generations of women.
Skilled Craftswomen
Generations of women have perfected delicate embroidery stitches like Soof, Kharek and Pakko that can take months to complete a single piece.
Specialising in traditional techneques
The artisans are specialized in Embroidery, Applique and Patchwork. With these skills they make the most beautiful products
Their Magnificent Craft
Applique work
ornamental needlework in which pieces or patches of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn or stuck onto a larger piece.
Embroidery work
the art of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to stitch thread or yarn. It is one of the oldest forms of textile art.
Patch work
It is a needlework technique where different fabric pieces are sewn together to create a larger design.
Their Voices
Hear directly from the women whose lives have been transformed through our programs
“I am grateful to GVCS for providing me with the smartphone. I will be able to get connected with my community and customers through this. Thank you!”
Aasu Devi
Beneficiary of Smart Phone
Community Leader
“My village had no electricity and it was difficult to work after sunset. My children are now able to study at night also and there is less strain on my eyes. Thanks to GVCS!”
Mangi Devi
Beneficiary of Solar Light,
Rural woman
“I had to work and earn so that I could educate my husband. GVCS provided me this opportunity for which I am thankful. My husband is a government employee now.”
Amru Devi
Beneficiary of Income Generation
Master Artisan
Features & Fasion Shows
Bringing Artisans to the Global Spotlight: Showcasing Timeless Crafts on World Stage Ramp Walks
Applique & Embroidery
Our Valued Resource Partners and Donars
Together for a Better Tomorrow
