woman artisan using industrial sewing machine to sew a organic cotton potholder in Anchal's Ajmer, India studio

Ethical Practices

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

tape measure graphic by Anchal

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.

hand graphic by Anchal

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.

heart graphic by Anchal

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.

open book graphic by Anchal

Education

We offer workshops in leadership, financial planning, women’s health, self-defense, and stress management to the entire Anchal community, fostering community & confidence.

piggy bank graphic by Anchal

Retirement Fund

Project Assistants receive Provident Fund, a government-backed savings and retirement fund. Both employers and employees make monthly matching contributions.

calendar graphic by Anchal

Paid Time Off

Project Assistants receive 16 paid holidays and 14 paid personal days. Extended sickness and disability benefits are included through ESIC.

trophy graphic by Anchal

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.

gift box graphic by Anchal

Celebrations & Gifts

Anchal sponsors an annual International Women’s Day celebration, providing gifts for all women, and also special Diwali holiday gifts each year.

two hands with heart in the middle graphic by Anchal

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.

Fair Trade Federation logo showing Anchal is Fair Trade verified

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.

group of 3 women artisans in Ajmer, India in Anchal's studio hand-embroidering white & navy quilts

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.

view of 3 artisans in different rooms in Ajmer, India sewing & holding up kantha quilts to ship out

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.

two Indian women hugging and laughing wearing intricate gold accented saris

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.

woman artisan in Ajmer, India hand-embroidering a colorful checkered quilt in Anchal's workshop
woman artisan in Ajmer, India standing with her two small children on stone stairs outside of her home

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.