In the small town of Narsapur, India, a cooperative society of female lace artisans continues a 100-year old lace making history.  

 

The beginnings of the craft lead to a period of exploitation of artisans by middlemen who sold their lace products without paying fair wages or providing stable work. One artisan advocated for two years for  women in surrounding villages to begin a cooperative to combat exploitation. Through her efforts, a safe, working society was established that employs 610 artisans today. Now, all are paid fair wages and work in a safe environment.

A percentage of profits goes towards a number of projects, including free eye tests and glasses to the artisans, income to widows and those too old to work, and food to AIDS orphans. They also make free school uniforms for their artisans children or many of the locals who are too poor to afford them. Many, particularly the retired, also receive blankets, saris, and extra food in the event of a natural disaster.