My mum and I started a Sydney label to support artisans in India’s most vulnerable communities

“We’re working towards creating a more just and compassionate world, where these women aren’t defined by their past but celebrated for their potential and talents.”

As an Australian mother and daughter duo, our journey to empower marginalised women and survivors of human trafficking in India has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. Over two decades of visiting India and working on various projects, we discovered our passion for women’s empowerment through textiles and stitching.

This purpose led us to establish Cloth & Co., a Sydney-based fashion label committed to creating a positive change in the lives of survivors. It’s been almost a decade since our label was founded, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the impact of our work has been reciprocal.

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Our connection with India began over two decades ago when we first visited the country. As we engaged in projects focused on women’s empowerment and capacity development, our passion for making a difference grew stronger. We realised that textiles and stitching could be powerful tools to uplift women and provide them with opportunities for a better life.

During our journey, we encountered the harsh reality of human trafficking and sexual violence faced by countless women and girls – a reality faced on our own soil, but also in India. According to the U.S. Department of State, there are over eight million trafficking victims in India, with bonded labour being a prevalent form of exploitation. This sobering realisation deepened our commitment to addressing these issues and supporting survivors on their path to healing and empowerment.

It was during this time that we were introduced to Sudha and her husband Ravi, the founders of Sewa Shram Shakti Foundation and Women Fiber to Fashion. Their dedication to the holistic rehabilitation of survivors resonated deeply with us. We were moved by the organisation’s approach, which focused on providing not just rehabilitation, but vocational training with long-term employment opportunities.

We founded Cloth & Co. as a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women and supporting artisans in India. Our connection with Sudha and Ravi, and our subsequent involvement with Sewa Shakti and Women Fiber to Fashion, marked the turning point in our journey. Our partnership was developed based on a shared commitment to provide survivors with opportunities for dignified and sustainable employment, allowing them to regain control of their lives.

Over the years, we’ve created an atelier of skilled women; a mix of survivors who’ve undertaken training and excelled in stitching and textile work, and marginalised women seeking opportunities traditionally not available to them. The beautiful garments not only embody their resilience but also showcase their incredible skills to the world.

Our commitment lies in cultivating a partnership that fosters mutual growth and transformation while upholding cultural sensitivity. Through this transformative collaboration, we’ve witnessed profound changes in the lives of these marginalised women and survivors. By valuing their skills and empowering them to take charge of their futures, we’ve seen these women flourish with newfound confidence and independence. 

As we evolve, our commitment remains unwavering – to nurture these women, break barriers and create lasting change. This transformative impact emphasises that collaboration is the key to a brighter, more empowered future. Together, we’re working towards creating a more just and compassionate world, where these women aren’t defined by their past but celebrated for their potential and talents.

Learn more about Cloth & Co. here.