NARI DANA
The wings to achieve freedom
About Nari Dana
Nari Dana is a social enterprise carrying on a “freedom trade” It exists to lift women out of a life trapped in poverty, by selling handmade products they have created.
Nari Dana arose from the work of the Cathedral Relief Service (CRS) which seeks to establish self-sufficient communities in Kolkata slums and surrounding impoverished villages.
Nari Dana means “women’s wings” in Bengali, and it describes how women are provided with wings which enable them to achieve their “freedom” (mukti). This concept is embodied in the Nari Dana logo of the bird flying free from captivity.
Nari Dana products
The women of Nari Dana produce an attractive range of handmade personal and household products. The designs are drawn from the rich heritage of West Bengal, in which soft tones are offset by rich and vibrant colours. They also undertake bespoke orders, for example, for ecclesiastical products and school uniforms.
For information about our product range, see the Nari Dana Products Page below
To find out where our products can be viewed and bought, see “Where to See and Buy”
Women’s empowerment
CRS operates at a number of urban and rural location. Central to its mission is the empowerment of women, and, as part of its work, CRS provides training in skills, including sewing and embroidery, to enable them to earn a living. Year-long courses are offered to women and girls aged 14 or over. Financial and business management skills are also taught and all participants are encouraged to set up individual bank accounts, so that by the end of the course they are equipped to set up their own micro-business.
The establishment of Nari Dana has provided a sales outlet for the work of the women who have undertaken CRS skills training.
The CRS women’s empowerment programme has made a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of women, giving them a sense of self-confidence and equality as individuals, as well as the skills and resources to be self-sufficient and independent. Your support can help many more women to have a hope and a future.
Address
Cathedral Relief Service, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 1 Cathedral Road, Kolkata 700 071, West Bengal, India
Call Us
+91 33 2223 3292
