We embrace a holistic approach to ethical employment.
Anchal's holistic program provides textile and job training to women without prior textile experience, followed by full-time employment, educational workshops, health services, and reliable access to an international marketplace.
This comprehensive approach addresses the multifaceted needs of marginalized women, supporting them in rediscovering confidence, independence, and creativity in a financially rewarding way with Anchal and beyond.
Artisan & Project Assistant Benefits
Training
The majority of women who join start with little to no experience in the textile industry. We offer free training in kantha embroidery, machine stitching, fabric cutting, and production coordination, alongside design instruction in color composition and creative expression.
Employment
Once training is completed, we provide consistent, reliable work for women who join the program, along with salaried and leadership opportunities, offering continued advancement and lasting impact.
Health
Artisans have access to free annual health camps with medical check-ups, eye exams, and free glasses. Project Assistants receive ESIC medical coverage for themselves and their families, plus six months of paid maternity leave.
Education
We offer workshops in leadership, financial planning, women’s health, self-defense, and stress management to the entire Anchal community, fostering community & confidence.
Retirement Fund
Project Assistants receive Provident Fund, a government-backed savings and retirement fund. Both employers and employees make monthly matching contributions.
Paid Time Off
Project Assistants receive 16 paid holidays and 14 paid personal days. Extended sickness and disability benefits are included through ESIC.
Awards & Bonuses
Artisans have the opportunity to receive a performance-based annual cash award given during International Women’s Day. Project Assistants are eligible for annual bonuses.
Celebrations & Gifts
Anchal sponsors an annual International Women’s Day celebration, providing gifts for all women, and also special Diwali holiday gifts each year.
Community
We provide a safe space for women to share experiences, knowledge, and strength, creating an unmatched support system. This solidarity enables women to encourage each other, navigate obstacles, and inspire future generations to strive for gender equity.
Verified Fair Trade
As a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation since 2014, Anchal participates in a third-party verification program that extensively reviews our business practices and holds us accountable for fair trade practices.
Prompt and fair payment is one of nine principles in which we are evaluated, ensuring fairness in all transactions and upholds our commitment to their Principles and Code of Practice.
How are Artisans paid?
Anchal supports women with diverse experience levels, providing flexibility for them to work according to their preferences or capacity. These opportunities range from promoted management and full-time staff at the workshop to 180 artisans working from home.
Artisans
Artisans craft intricate hand-stitched embroidered products from their homes, earning income while balancing family responsibilities. Compensation is based on a per-piece basis, calculated using an average per-inch stitching rate, ensuring an agreed-upon living wage endorsed by partner leadership. Piece compensation is paid via direct deposit into their personal bank accounts monthly.
Supervisors & Project Assistants
The full-time staff work daily at the workshop space, handling all aspects of production, from cutting fabric to machine stitching to quality control. Their salaries, set collectively by our partner leaders and staff, ensure a monthly living wage above minimum wage regulations, paid via direct deposit into their personal bank accounts.
Partner Organization
Anchal ensures prompt completion of purchase order payments within 15 days of receipt, a notable departure from industry standards of 60 to 90 days. Product prices encompass artisan wages, materials, project assistant assembly, overhead costs such as rent, electricity, and equipment, along with a percentage profit to foster the partner organization's growth.
Long-term commitment
Since 2010, Anchal has fully committed to long-term impact within the community we collaborate with in Ajmer, India.
We ensure consistent purchase orders to meet the workshop’s capacity for its full-time staff and overhead expenses, supported by access to a large international marketplace, enabling Anchal artisans to receive the deserved financial support.
This commitment allows Anchal to create sustainable impact, build trust, and evolve the program to fit changing community needs, emphasizing sustainable livelihoods to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation through long-term employment opportunities.
