A Sustainable Development Journey of ‘Recycle, Reuse, Repurpuse’ in Ghatakpukur

Discover how SusthitiSutra, the social impact arm of Avahita,  empowers women in Ghatakpukur through sustainable recycling practices and artisan skills training.

Introduction to Ghatakpukur and Our Mission

Ghatakpukur, a small village east of Kolkata in West Bengal, lies just over an hour’s drive from the bustling city. This lesser-known place welcomed us with warm and friendly people leading simple, peaceful lives. On a sunny Monday afternoon, a small group from SusthitiSutra planned a workshop for the village women, focusing on recycling and repurposing old clothes and household items into decorative, potentially marketable products. Our goal was to provide them with a livelihood option, boost their self-esteem, and empower them with new skills, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Fostering Sustainability and Recycling

We introduced the concepts of sustainability and recycling to the participants. Although these terms were new to them, the women were already familiar with the practices out of necessity. We emphasized the importance of reusing materials to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability. As they engaged in hands-on activities, the workshop’s atmosphere shifted from a classroom setting to a vibrant, collaborative space. The enthusiasm of over 50 women, eager to join and learn, was truly inspiring.

Teaching Artisan Skills for Livelihood

The workshop focused on repurposing old clothes into useful or decorative items. We taught skills like measuring, marking, cutting, stitching, knitting, and embroidery. The women’s natural talent shone through as they got hands-on with the materials. The session became electric and engaging, with smiles and pride evident in their work. By empowering them with these artisan skills, we aimed to provide a sustainable livelihood option, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Building a Sustainable Future Together

We aimed to create a friendly rapport to ensure an efficient transfer of skills and information. The women’s enthusiastic participation made them excellent students, fostering a successful and mutually beneficial partnership. Their willingness to speak up and ask questions enhanced the workshop’s effectiveness, reinforcing our commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Empowering Local Leadership

To ensure the sustainability of our efforts, we identified key women to provide local leadership and help train others. They were given tasks, tools, and raw materials, understanding the importance of quality work to market their products. Future visits will focus on enhancing their skills and time management, enabling seamless progress through regular transport of materials and finished goods. This approach supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by empowering women to take on leadership roles in their community.

A Humbling Experience and a Promising Start

The smiles and pride in their work showed the success of our visit. They meticulously avoided errors, sought feedback, and helped each other, fostering a spirit of camaraderie. Beyond learning new skills, they discovered their inner potential, ready to contribute to society with the right tools and guidance. 

Our work in Ghatakpukur has just begun. We strive to empower as many women as possible, transforming their lives and communities through sustainability and recycling. 

 “Empowerment is not just about providing skills; it’s about igniting the spark within each woman to realize her potential and transform her community.” –  Sudeshna Das, Founder of Avahita & SusthitiSutra