Self-Help groups are an important part of Digikala project. SHGs make it possible for weavers to organise themselves in small groups, contribute their savings to the group. And use the money as capital for collective ventures without getting in to any kind of debt cycle. This empowers them to use their own capital for raw materials, and even to take their products to the market.
Handloom Tourism
Digikala started as a project for the love of Ikat handlooms of Odisha. The project envisaged a marriage of hand woven textiles and digital technologies to enhance and expand the appeal of handloom products.
Entrepreneurship
Digikala has taken internet and e-commerce to weavers’ doorstep. As a result, the entry barrier for becoming an entrepreneur has been brought down to almost zero. Every weaver can now display and sell their products through online platforms. This coupled with financially self-sustaining Self-Help Groups give them the much needed capital to start their own ventures, and participate in exhibitions on their own.
Self Help Groups