Karel & Co teams up with the wonderful women of Saheli Women. A female social enterprise which provides women in Rajasthan, India, with sustainable livelihood opportunities and financial empowerment through ethical fashion practices. The name Saheli means ‘female friend’ and embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity throughout the organization. This is truly visible when visiting Saheli Women: a vibrant sisterhood where women support one another and where there is room for laughter and giggles throughout the day while revitalizing traditional crafts. Want to more know more about the ladies working at Saheli, you can read more about there stories here.

Saheli is made by women for women. The artisans at Saheli Women do not only earn a fair wage — at least 50% higher than the average income for similar work in India — but can also define their own working hours and holidays. This allows the women to take care of their children, the household and to be at home when necessary, while simultaneously earning an income. Additionally, Saheli Women strives to remove barriers that limit women's access to employment by providing skills development training, assistance with transportation to and from work, health insurance, on-site childcare support, and the freedom to manage individual working hours/holidays. 

The Saheli Women centers are designed to feel like home. They are joyous spaces where women socialize, brew chai, cook, bring their children, and celebrate life and Indian festivals. Saheli regularly opens their doors to the wider community for cultural festivals and holidays. And host workshops on a broad range of topics such as human rights, feminism, menstrual hygiene, health, and financial literacy.

Saheli women works directly with other artisan communities and families in India who dye and handloom ikat and khadi cotton. This ensures that each step of the production process benefits all stakeholders along the supply chain, and enhances transparency from yarn to soft toy. The artisan partners weave in their own homes and are paid directly, ensuring a fair pay. With buying a Karel you do not only support women in Rajasthan, but also various weaving communities throughout India.