Lighting New Pathways: Young Women Leaders Echo Experience
Amrita Guha & Joya Nandurdikar, Founding Partners, Untitled Studio
“The most important aspect of women empowerment in India is providing access to education and entrepreneurial opportunities. Education equips women with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate economic and social challenges, while entrepreneurial opportunities enable them to achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities.
Design has the power to influence society, not only through its outcomes but also by shaping the processes and systems that support its creation. In the context of traditional craftsmanship, this influence extends to an even deeper significance, preserving cultural heritage while sustaining livelihoods.
India’s diverse artisanal traditions, ranging from Kari Kalamdani and Khatamband to Shekhawati craft, Tarkashi, and Kerala mural art, are rich reservoirs of skill and artistry.
Male artisans, often the visible workforce in this domain, have greater mobility to travel for work, while women, who constitute a substantial portion of the craft ecosystem, are often constrained by societal norms, restricted mobility, and limited access to education and entrepreneurial opportunities. These barriers not only curtail their economic independence but also hinder the full potential of regional crafts as vehicles for cultural and social transformation.
As designers who work closely with artisans and craftsmen to revive and reinterpret indigenous and dying craft forms, we must address barriers faced by women in this field, evaluate current practices, and propose strategies to empower women artisans through education, skill-building, and entrepreneurial support to create inclusive systems that empower women artisans. By engaging with these issues, we must aim to highlight that design can serve as a medium for social justice, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic growth, creating pathways for lasting impact.”