Guwahati: Poverty is rampant in Assam’s riverine ‘char’ areas, largely populated by Bengali-speaking Muslims, pejoratively labeled 'miyas'. In these remote areas, where the proliferation of government benefits is also less, women tend to have lower social, political, and economic standing in comparison to their male counterparts.

'Amrapari', a collective based in the Barpeta district of Lower Assam, has emerged as a sort of oasis for women living in these harsh conditions as it enables them to earn their own livelihoods.

Amrapari (in the Bengali language, 'amra' translates to 'we' and 'pari' translates to 'can') is the brainchild of Manjuwara Mullah, a 38-year-old women's rights activist from Barpeta known for her crusade against gender discrimination and social stigmas. "While I was creating awareness about gender equality and voicing out against ills such as child marriage and domestic abuse, I wondered what steps could be taken to improve the status of women in our society," Mullah said during a candid conversation with Business North East.

Mullah concluded that the economic empowerment of women was pivotal to improving their standing in society. While she was mulling what could be done towards this end, the COVID-19 pandemic came knocking, and the ensuing lockdown meant she had to shelve her plans. "Around that time, floods were also a major concern. Women used to call me for help. Some used to say there was no food at home; others complained their husbands had left home for work or their children were sick."

Hearing such complaints, Mullah said she felt an intense urge to provide relief to these troubled women. "I realized that helping them out with money would not help them in the long term. Therefore, I sought to find a permanent solution for their woes," she said.

Visiting a relief camp for flood-affected people would prove to be another turning point for this social worker.

"The camp was nothing but a raised platform surrounded by water. Around 700-800 people with hundreds of animals were packed in. No social distancing or any other safety protocol was maintained” she said, recalling the horrifying experience. Instead of food, women at the camp requested Mullah to give them employment opportunities so that they could earn their livelihoods.

All the misery around her made Mullah retreat into a cocoon and she found solace in weaving. One day, she found white bed sheets lying around in her house and started embroidering with red threads.

"I posted those designs on social media and to my utter surprise, people from far and wide showered compliments. It was then that I decided I could open my embroidery venture to help local womenfolk find their own feet," Mullah recalled. 

With an initial investment of Rs 15000, Mullah's venture called Amrapari came into being. Initially, Mullah bought white bedsheets, needles, and thread from the market. To start with, she trained 10 women. 

For promotion, Mullah and her team largely depended on social media platforms. "All our products were displayed on these pages and we shipped goods worth Rs 10 lakh in our first year alone," said Mullah.

Mullah recalled that, as there was an immense demand for face masks due to COVID-19, her collective made nearly 20,000 masks, which sold out. Following these successes, they had to start their tailoring unit, and the number of artisans also increased.

"Gradually, we started diversifying our repertoire by adding new items such as bags, dupattas, cushion covers, etc.," said Mullah.

From 10 artisans, the number quickly rose to 40! By the third year, Amrapari was employing nearly 100 women. By bolstering their manpower, they managed to foray into weaving and started producing sarees and mekhala chadars, always in great demand in Assam.

"The same women who were unheard in their families now have a say not only in their households but also earn respect in society," said Mullah. 

In Amarpari's third year of existence, the firm's yearly turnover has hit almost Rs 30 lakh, and Mullah is eyeing options to export "if proper linkages are found."

"Each woman artisan earns as per the number of products they make. On average, they can earn Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per month. We have six permanent employees as well.  Amrapari is now a platform for artisans for employment and self-reliance, leading to women's empowerment," said Mullah, signing off.