In the so-called Indian carpet belt many women can neither read nor write and have hardly any chances to earn money. Label STEP organised courses in which the women learned to weave carpets and to organise themselves in production teams. Thus they can prepare the grounds for a better future for themselves and their children.

Many families in the region of Varanasi, Mirzapur and Bhadoi cannot afford to send their children to school. Starting in 1997, together with local project partners Label STEP has set work on changing this with lasting effect by supporting women. Because if parents earn enough, the expenses for a school are rather affordable and their children do not have to work at home instead of going to school. In eleven villages women have been trained for about a year each. They were informed about the basics of carpet production and learned to read and write. Apart from that, they were sensitised for their rights and can stand up independently for them today.

Successful production groups

The advantages of a common, self-controlled carpet production were shown to the women in the courses. They united to independent production communities and could thereby raise their income considerably. Many teams which were formed during the project successfully remained in business even after the project had ended. The additional income of the women made it possible for numerous children to go to school. In total more than 240 women took part in the courses. They could raise the income of their families and have also increased their self-confidence. The positions of the women within the village communities were strengthened considerably by education and their acquired knowledge.