Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh - Moonj Project

Sitapur, a small district in Uttar Pradesh is home to talented women artisans. Traditionally, they work with dried Moonj grass, which grows in abundance along the seasonal ponds found in this area and use it to create attractive utility and decorative products that are handcrafted with expertise.

This native craft of Moonj grass basketry has been passed down over generations. Unfortunately, the skills these women artisans exhibit remain unappreciated mainly on account of changing consumer preferences, having evolved from traditional designs to a more modernistic outlook. This, coupled with scarce monetary backing and the inability to provide well for their families, pushes them to look for alternative sources of income and let go of their ancestral legacy. Since Sitapur has not witnessed any major spurt in industrialization, agriculture remains the main source of income for its people, which mainly employs the men folk leaving the women of this district idle for most of the year. Despite the fact that these women are capable of creating masterpieces, they are losing the motivation to continue with their proficiency because of dwindling financial resources.

Mon Ami Foundation stepped in to provide the women artisans with much-needed design intervention, scaling-up and market linkages. The artisans were taught the importance of quality and production-oriented work where replication of designs was explained and implemented over several months. They are also made aware of colors and patterns and how the end-user likes to use their handcrafted products. With the intent to empower these women artisans and provide a structure that supports them economically, Mon Ami Foundation creates a meaningful impact on their livelihood wherein they can continue practicing their traditional craft in a sustainable manner.