Kamla grew up in rural India facing extreme poverty. She never had the opportunity to attend school and began working as a laborer at just 13 years old. By age 18, she was married and raising her first daughter.
Although Kamla's own educational opportunities were limited, she was determined to create a different future for her children. Finding stable and reliable work, however, was often difficult.
Everything began to change when Kamla joined Anchal as an artisan partner. For more than eight years, she has earned income through her embroidery and textile work while participating in educational workshops covering topics such as financial planning and personal development.
Through her hard work and dedication, Kamla achieved something she once thought was impossible—saving enough money to purchase a home for her family. Her success has also helped create new opportunities for her daughters. Three of her daughters graduated from high school, and her oldest daughter is pursuing a college degree with the goal of becoming a teacher.
Kamla often says that her greatest wish is to make her daughters proud. Today, her story demonstrates how access to fair, dignified work can create lasting change across generations.
By supporting artisan-made products, you help women like Kamla build financial independence, invest in their families, and create brighter futures for the next generation.
Story adapted from "Meet Your Didi: Kamla," originally published by Anchal Project.