Women Forward International (WFI) is collaborating with the U.S.-India Friendship Alliance (USIFA) and the Parsons School of Design to economically empower women artisans in India. Funded by USIFA, the initiative supports the training of women artisans and the development of a Crafts Village in Aurangabad, Maharashtra—a first-of-its-kind center in the state.
The Crafts Village will serve as a cultural and economic hub dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Indian crafts, including Himroo shawls, Paithani sarees, and Bidri work. Designed as an empowering space for Indian women weavers to train, grow, and lead, the project emphasizes expanding opportunities for rural women artisans. Given that India’s textile and handloom sector is a critical source of women’s economic empowerment yet is constrained by fragmented production systems, the Crafts Village’s efforts to systematize production create important opportunities to drive sustainable livelihoods and local economic growth.
A flagship effort within this collaboration is WFI’s partnership with ZariZar, a Maharashtra-based enterprise that is revitalizing the ancient art of Himroo weaving. Led by local entrepreneurs, ZariZar engages a network of predominantly women master weavers to produce luxury handwoven shawls for the global fashion market—preserving cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable income for artisans and their communities.
To extend the reach of these products, WFI has connected ZariZar Luxury Shawls & Minerals with the Parsons School of Design in New York. In Fall 2025, Parsons students participated in a Design Sprint, collaborating with ZariZar to address real-world design challenges centered on sustainability and cultural preservation. Students developed strategic plans to expand market access—particularly in the United States—uplifting ZariZar’s community of women artisans and their families.
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