2016 July - Banumati's Story - Ethical Fashion Empowering Women
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Trusted Clothes Blog - Used by Holi Boli with permision.
Banumati shared her story for Trusted Clothes blog. This story is used with her permission.
Banumati was born in the Government hospital on 14 June. She doesn’t know what year, but thinks she is now 21 years old. She doesn’t celebrate her birthday but her brother (who used to be the only one in the family bringing in a regular income) would buy her a new dress every year to celebrate her birthday. She has her Ma, Pa, 2 big brothers and 1 big sister. She attended school up to class 10. From class 7-10 she went to girls only school – “I didn’t like the way the school boys and village boys looked at me [impersonating the boys looking her up and down] so I got safety at the girls only school.
A few years later, her sister came to hear about the Holi Boli sewing classes inside the village and suggested Banu attend. Her mother had also seen ladies walking to and from the sewing house and had asked them where they were going and verified the big sisters story. Banu’s parents and big brothers agreed and decided she would sign up. She was a bit nervous, her last sewing class was not fruitful. At first she felt confused as she did not understand all the new things and English being spoken at the Holi Boli sewing class. But she had a natural talent for sewing and enjoyed the developing friendships with fellow students. She felt relaxed after the first week. The translator (Jeni Paul, originally from Tamil Nadu, South India) helped her so much to understand and relax. Her family started to compliment her on her progress during the course and were impressed by all the different designs and sewing quality she was producing. On her graduation day she was so happy. She ran home with her certificate and jumped up and down in her house with pride.
We love that! Banu’s hard work got her a chance, she is empowered and any chance she gets she ‘pays it forward’ – she empowers others! She is a sister helping sisters. That is the model Holi Boli encourages.
Banu enjoys sewing at the Holi Boli house and being part of the team. She holds high status in our village and her parents are very proud of her. Holi Boli is doing its best to sell more beautiful dresses to increase Banu’s hours and to employ more ladies in our village into meaningful work. There is so much need. India has launched ‘Make in India’; promoting businesses to manufacture in India to create jobs. Work and education are keys in the eradication of poverty they go hand in hand. Ethical fashion empowering sisters through meaningful work. It is not easy but it is worth it.
Thanks for reading Banu’s story. Love your sisters!
