Meet the Artisans of Purkal Stree Shakti

Purkal Stree Shakti Samiti (PSSS) translates as ‘an organisation for empowering the women of Purkal’. It is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of the disadvantaged women. 

The charity works in a rural village outside Dehradun known as Purkal, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Many families in the area lack basic education and skills and suffer from various cultural and social problems which keep them locked in a continuous cycle of poverty.

More than 125 women currently work under the umbrella of the Stree Shakti brand – their workspace is comfortable, airy and hygienic; there is a crèche providing not merely custodial care but also preschool education to over 50 children belonging to these women.

Stree Shakti is a charity that empowers rural Indian women. It addresses questions of skills development and aims to address issues of health and nutrition for these women and their children.

Purkal Stree Shakti is a registered Fair Trade organisation in India. 

Click for Fair Trade products by this artisan group and their fellow countrymen. 

Artisan Stories

At any given time, two groups of 20 women are trained with Stree Shakti. Not only is this training free, it is also subsidized with a monthly payment given to the women. When their training is finished, they will be able to earn a sustainable and fair income through their needlework.