Crafting Change: Fashion Impact Fund Renews Grant Support for Saheli Women

Photo courtesy of Saheli Women. 

NEW YORK – 22 August 2025

The Fashion Impact Fund, a program of the PVBLIC Foundation, is pleased to announce the renewal of a grant to Saheli Women, a social enterprise based in rural India, marking a second cycle of funding in recognition of their continued leadership in sustainable fashion and the economic empowerment of women.

Founded in 2015 by Madhu Vaishnav, Saheli Women is dedicated to financially empowering marginalized women in Rajasthan through ethical fashion. The organization operates an atelier that not only preserves traditional craft techniques but also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities and advocates for a fashion system grounded in gender equality and cultural heritage.

“Saheli Women’s work continues to exemplify the transformative power of skill development in advancing gender equality, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community resilience. We are honored to reaffirm our commitment to this remarkable collective and look forward to witnessing the ongoing evolution of their impact.”

— Kerry Bannigan, Co-Founder, UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network; President of the Board, PVBLIC Foundation

Building upon the success of their previous grant, the Fashion Impact Fund’s renewed support will enable the expansion of Saheli Women’s Handloom Program. In 2024, the program trained 19 women in handloom skills, with five advancing to Master Weaver status, gaining the ability to independently set up looms and decentralize production. This initiative not only enhances technical and educational skills but also fosters autonomy and improved livelihoods. Income generated has empowered participants to invest in education, healthcare, and household needs. Training milestones include mastering yarn handling, loom operation, and achieving full production capabilities within one year.

The renewed funding will facilitate the acquisition of new equipment and raw materials, extend training in advanced techniques to more women in Bhikamkor, and support the establishment of a self-sufficient handloom economy. A key component of the program is reviving cotton spinning through the traditional Ambar Charkha, preserving a nearly extinct indigenous craft. The handloom remains central to this work, symbolizing sustainability, independence, and cultural identity.

“It's always been our dream for Bhikamkor to be recognised as a handloom village and the Fashion Impact Fund helped us make this dream a reality with the first round of funding we were granted last year. Sadly, the craft is dying, a weavers son doesn't want to be weaver anymore, but we see renewed interest in the handloom through our ladies’ children. This gives us hope that we will not only be supporting futures in sustainable fashion at Saheli Women, but also in preserving indigenous craft. Training more ladies and upgrading the skills of the previous group, supports this continued vision to revive handloom craft. This renewed funding has also allowed us to dream of how we want the whole organisation to progress in the future. Next year we are hoping to invest in the continued education of our community by founding the Saheli School of Skills Development, a place where rural women can learn vital skills in sustainable fashion.” 

— Madhu Vaishnav, Founder, Saheli Women

Through the Fashion Impact Fund, PVBLIC Foundation strengthens the continued investment in advancing gender equality by supporting initiatives that empower women economically, combat systemic injustices, and promote meaningful transformation within the fashion industry. 

"Initiatives such as this, supported and amplified by PVBLIC Foundation, generate ripple effects far beyond their immediate communities igniting confidence, fostering intergenerational change, and inspiring a broader movement toward gender equity and sustainable livelihoods. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to this remarkable collective and to champion the ongoing evolution of their impact, knowing that each skill shared, each story preserved, and each life empowered adds momentum to a global wave of progress." 

— Princess Jahnavi Kumari Mewar, Board Member, PVBLIC Foundation

Discover more about the work of Saheli Women here.