Banjara Kasuti partners with Amazon to empower Lambani women

"Our collaboration with Amazon India will provide dignity, social security, and financial independence to Lambani women while preserving the Lambani art form"

Banjara Kasuti, a non-profit organization based in Vijayapura, Karnataka, has partnered with Amazon India through the Amazon Karigar initiative “ to empower Lambani women artisans by enabling them to sell their handcrafted products online. 

This collaboration aims to provide economic opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community development among the Lambani community. By utilizing Amazon's vast online marketplace, the initiative helps Lambani women reach a global audience, enhancing their financial independence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Founded in 2017 by Asha Patil, Banjara Kasuti seeks to revive traditional Lambani art and provide sustainable livelihoods to women artisans. The partnership with Amazon India is a significant step toward achieving these goals by bringing more visibility and market access to their unique handicrafts. 

“Our collaboration with Amazon India will provide dignity, social security, and financial independence to Lambani women while preserving the Lambani art form. This partnership will allow them to showcase their craftsmanship to a wider audience, enhancing their living standards.”- Asha Patil said. 

The Amazon Karigar program supports local artisans by offering a platform for showcasing India's rich handicrafts heritage, thereby fostering financial independence and entrepreneurship.

Through this initiative, Lambani women can work from home, earning a daily wage, and share in the profits from product sales. The NGO also supports the artisans by providing finishing, packaging, and marketing services and facilitating access to healthcare and education for their families.

Asha Patil and Seema Kishore, key figures in Banjara Kasuti, emphasize the importance of this partnership in preserving the Lambani art form and improving the living standards of the artisans. The initiative not only empowers the women economically but also instills a sense of pride and dignity in their traditional craftsmanship