Palghar district, Maharashtra, is marked by economic hardship, widespread malnutrition, and high rates of distress migration. Year after year, thousands of families migrate seeking daily-wage work, leaving behind homes and fields.
Goonj’s intervention through its livelihood initiative, specifically by establishing the Aasan Centre, has begun reversing this cycle of hardship, enabling local women to become economically empowered by creating Jholas (cloth bags) and Aasans (mats).
Empowering Women through Economic Independence
At the Aasan Centre, women from Palghar’s remote villages turn urban surplus cloth into beautifully stitched mats (Aasan) and bags (Jhola). This initiative not only provides regular income but also empowers women to improve their families’ living conditions.
Sangita Lakhma Kharpade’s Story:
“After marriage, I struggled with irregular employment and harsh labor conditions. I traveled long distances and endured intense physical labor at brick kilns in Bhiwandi. Ever since joining Goonj’s Aasan Centre, my life has changed dramatically. With steady work and income, my children could continue their education, and I could financially contribute to my elder son’s marriage. Goonj came as a blessing in our lives.”
Sangita’s Journey: From Labourer to Skilled Artisan
Kalpana Ajay Kurkute’s Journey of Resilience
Kalpana, another dedicated worker at the Aasan Centre, shares:
“My daughter is physically challenged and needed constant medical care. Earlier, sewing opportunities were scarce, forcing me to juggle unreliable income sources alongside limited farming. Since joining Goonj’s Aasan Centre, regular income has become a reality. Now, I can afford better treatment for my daughter and quality education for my children. My family’s stability today is entirely due to Goonj’s support.”
Kalpana Kurkute Empowered Through Goonj’s Livelihood Initiative
Goonj’s Aasan Centres: A Sustainable Solution to Rural Migration
The Aasan Centre initiative is part of Goonj’s broader vision of providing dignified livelihood opportunities. By converting urban surplus material into meaningful livelihood solutions, Goonj creates an economic ecosystem that directly addresses the root causes of distress migration, poverty, and malnutrition.
Impact Highlight
- Regular employment and stable income for rural women.
- Reduction in distress migration and increased economic stability.
- Enhanced local capacity through skills training and community mobilization.
Join Hands with Us
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
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