Himalayan Partnership
BANJAARA works closely with a Fair Trade women's cooperative based in the Himalayan region of Northern India. These craftswomen, often known as the Hill Women, specialise in hand knitting as a way to support their families and preserve their cultural heritage.
The cooperative is entirely owned by its members. This means the women receive full payment for their work without deductions from middlemen or external agencies. Our partnership reflects true fair trade values by ensuring that income flows directly to the women who create each piece. Through this relationship, traditional skills gain steady recognition while modern market access becomes possible for rural artisans.
Community Organisation
The Hill Women cooperative is made up of 50 self help groups and provides sustainable livelihoods for around 700 women. This structure offers both flexibility and support, allowing artisans to work from their homes while caring for their families.
Each group acts as a circle of shared knowledge where generations of knitting techniques are passed down and celebrated. Home based work gives women the chance to maintain balance in their daily routine while contributing meaningful craftsmanship to the wider community.
Market Access
For many rural craftswomen, access to international markets can be limited. BANJAARA helps bridge this gap by connecting their work with customers who value ethical production and high quality craftsmanship.
Through our partnerships, women earn reliable income that supports their families and strengthens their communities. This income helps fund education for their children, access to healthcare, and opportunities for local development. By showcasing their work globally, we help ensure that their traditional skills continue to be recognised and celebrated.
Economic Empowerment
As a female founded business, supporting women remains central to our purpose. We believe in the potential of these artisans and the power of fair income to transform communities.
Each purchase you make helps create lasting economic opportunities that extend beyond individual makers. When women earn fairly, entire communities grow stronger through improved wellbeing, education, and financial security.
Quality Craftsmanship
Every knitted piece reflects the care, patience, and skill of the artisan who made it. These garments are shaped through time honoured techniques that create softness, structure, and detail not found in machine made knitwear. The Hill Women bring generations of knowledge to each stitch, and this dedication shows in the durability and comfort of the finished garment.
How does this benefit you?
Choosing BANJAARA knitwear means supporting real women and their communities while investing in clothing made with intention and skill. You receive pieces that are thoughtfully crafted, naturally warm, and created through ethical methods. Your purchase contributes to sustainable livelihoods for artisans and helps keep traditional hand knitting alive for future generations.