Project Description
The project “Donna” was created with the aim of improving the social status and quality of life of women from marginalized communities living in the slums of Mumbai, offering them the opportunity to pursue quality training in activities related to tailoring and handcrafted clothing, and to gain economic autonomy for themselves and their families.
The project originates from the already existing partnership between Animedh Charitable Trust, a Mumbai-based NGO specialized in training and start-up projects for professional activities in vulnerable contexts that supports women in training and emancipation paths, and 2nd Innings Handicrafts, a social enterprise that deals with the sale of products made by artisans with the I Was A Sari brand, with particular attention to product development, quality control and logistics related to the sale.
“Donna” is being implemented in three existing centers managed by ACT and located in the areas of Jogeshwari and Andheri, in Mumbai.
The project responds to a challenge: to achieve social change with a very strong impact through a competitive and sustainable business. Attention to quality and sustainability is essential to the project. The women involved in the project are included in training and programs to facilitate their entry in work contexts based on respect for the dignity and rights of women and the strengthening of individual, family and community potential and resources. Quality is also essential on the product side, as it is closely linked to the sustainability of the company. The objective of “Donna” project is, in fact, to create a social enterprise that is entirely sustainable and aims at making workers really independent.
I was a Sari is both the symbol and the product of this approach. A line of fashion products made through the creative reuse of splendid Indian saris, unique pieces, with a great variety of graphics that make them suitable for all styles.
After supporting the idea behind I Was A Sari for two years, purchasing and making the splendid products made by the Mumbai artisans available in fundraising events, since 2018 the Pianoterra Foundation has directly supported “Donna” project by contributing to the opening and the equipping of a center dedicated to income generation activities in Jogeshwari (Mumbai), the creation of accompanying paths work for women who have completed training courses and the strengthening of human resources dedicated to the project. “Donna” project can be directly supported by participating in fundraising events organized by the Pianoterra Foundation where the beautiful products of the I Was A Sari line will be available for purchase.
