INGON and Handicrafts

Since it’s inception in 1993, Impulse NGO Network (INGON) has been actively engaged in various social and developmental activities focusing on the promotion, protection and preservation in particular the interests of the tribal communities in Meghalaya. One such activity among others focused primarily on the upliftment of women through income generating activities. This activity today has become a major part of INGON’s efforts and has moved forward with the emergence of training centers to facilitate the organization’s objectives for development in this particular activity. It all began in 1994 with a women’s programme titled "UPLIFTMENT OF TRADITIONAL WORKSMANSHIP OF RURAL WOMEN ARTISANS". It was in this particular programme that INGON was successful in outlining its objectives for the Promotion of Income Generating Activities of Rural Women, which includes both Individual Entrepreneurs as well as Traditional Groups (Crafts Women and weavers) The feedback from this programme clearly revealed the potential for helping the rural folk in developing their capacity by marketing their products through proper Designing and Packaging. The organization in the process of effecting a change in the Economic status of the Rural Masses especially the Artisans facilitated a link between the Indigenous Crafts women, in both the National and International Market.

In its long 9 years Service for Social Transformation, INGON mainly focused in the Handicrafts and Handloom of the State. The reason for such an Approach could be attributed to Ms. Hasina Kharbhih and Mr. Bobby Dutt Founder Members, who felt a need for tying a string between the Economy and the Tradition of Meghalaya in Particular.

The entire programme for Economic Development of women was conceptualized by INGON to help the women at the grass root level, to

formulate Better Market opportunities and to help them revive the age old Traditional Craftsmanship. The organization also tries to raise the Marginal Income further to bring about a better sense of Economic Development.
The effort of the organization have also been to provide the Rural Women with a better knowledge and understanding of the National and International Market so that they secure a better price for their products and also to expose them to New Ideas and concepts. It also tries to help the CBO’s at the Grass Root level to set up their own Production Centers. The organization’s endeavor and achievement began with 100 women from Syntien Village in East Khasi Hills District who are by profession traditional cane weavers. The efforts of INGON have helped these women artisans tremendously. It was possible because they were provided Marketing Exposure, Training, Designing, Packaging and links with National and International Markets. The idea was to encourage and make the women artisans aware as in how to Develop and grow independently without looking to the Government for help. Moreover, Twenty Five Women  Organizations (25) from RI Bhoi District and Garo Hills have started Selling Hand Woven Shawls from their own Huts to Showrooms of International Attractions. The organization also received the Niryat Rattan Award for Marketing Handicrafts from Meghalaya to the International Markets. In its involvement in the craft sector the Organization has not only helped to create awareness in the market of the crafts or providing assistance to crafts in Meghalaya but has also been participating in various exhibitions, workshops, training programmes and seminars to expand its knowledge on craft as a whole.

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