Strive women's workgroup was established in 2004 with the vision of alleviating a marginalized community's poverty through fair trade. It now has 13 women embroiderers and 2 men weavers, all of whom come from poor backgrounds. There are also another 5 ladies who spin cotton for the group. These ladies are based in another group, so Strive women's workgroup gives them more orders.

Testimony

“Life is really good in Strive. I mean personally, I have learned lots of things, not only from a business point of view, but I have gained lots of things for my own personal life too. When you compare Strive today, with six years ago, there has been huge progress, and at the same time, many challenges along the way. To be honest, it hasn’t been an easy journey. I remember the time we spent arguing and fighting each other. It wasn’t a nice chapter in our history, but now that chapter is closed. But we are still fighting some of the old attitudes in Strive. Attitudes of dependency and a lack of initiative and so on. I mean all these things are a lifetime process.

The vision I have for Strive is not just me, but I want every one to be behind this vision. So far we have learned so many things from different people. It has been an amazing journey. But now I think, it is now time to serve them, just as they have served us. It is my dream that Strive will become a house of blessing in this neighbourhood. Isn’t it nice to be a blessing to other people, just as we have been blessed in many ways? Of course, from a business angle, I want the business to grow and to expand, but above all, I want other things to grow in people’s hearts and minds as well. I think this is also important for growth. Every thing is different in this group. I think there is so much freedom and love here that you don’t find in other groups. We don’t have pressure from outside forces. We are our own bosses. I think this makes this group so unique. And I think this is what people need. We have a family-like relationship with each other. I’m sure this will be what every body will miss if they leave this group. It is wonderful here. I love it.”  - Alganesh, Head of Strive Women's Workgroup.

To find out what all the members of Strive Women's Workgroup have to say read their