In the heart of Rajasthan, where vibrant textiles and centuries-old traditions intertwine, a quiet revolution is taking place : one led by women, for women. At the center of it stands Madhu Vaishnav, the visionary founder of Saheli Women, a social enterprise that is reshaping the fashion industry from the ground up.
Born into a conservative Brahmin family and once bound by the limits of patriarchal expectations, Madhu’s journey from domestic confinement to international changemaker is as powerful as it is inspiring. With just $100, a handful of sewing machines, and an unshakable belief in women’s potential, she built Saheli Women to give rural artisans more than just employment ; she gave them purpose, leadership, and a voice.
In this intimate interview with Pearls Magazine, Madhu shares the story behind Saheli Women, the transformative power of traditional crafts, and how sustainable fashion can become a vehicle for social justice, cultural preservation, and healing; for both maker and wearer.
Can you introduce yourself ? Who is the woman behind Saheli Women, and what inspired your journey ?
I founded Saheli Women in 2015 with the dream of empowering rural women; economically, socially, and emotionally. I grew up in a traditional Brahmin family in Jodhpur, where I faced colorism and rejection due to not having a dowry. At 22, I entered an arranged marriage under a contract that forbade me from working. For a while, I conformed. But deep inside, I knew I was meant for more.
I fought to take up my first teaching job, then worked with an NGO in the slums of Jodhpur, and eventually pursued studies in social welfare at UC Berkeley. Each step brought me closer to what would eventually become Saheli Women.
What is Saheli Women, and how did it begin ?
It all started during a wedding visit to my husband’s village. I was deeply moved by how generous the women were, despite living in poverty. I noticed nearly every married woman owned a sewing machine as part of her dowry. With just $100 and a vision, I persuaded five families to allow their mothers to join me. That was the humble beginning of Saheli Women.
What was the original purpose behind starting the initiative ?
Garment workers—especially women—are often invisible, undervalued, and trapped in exploitative systems that prioritize profit over people and the planet. At Saheli Women, we work with rural women who have been historically marginalized. We provide training, dignified employment, and a nurturing environment where they can learn, earn, and grow.
Our model does two things: it empowers women and addresses the fashion industry’s need for ethical, small-scale, and traceable production. We simplify what is often made to seem complicated—offering brands a practical, scalable path toward sustainability.
How many women are currently involved with Saheli Women, and what roles do they play ?
We currently have 170 female artisans, aged 18 to 65, who bring exceptional creativity, skill, and ancestral knowledge to our work. To ensure smooth operations, we’ve trained four women to become Centre Managers. They oversee everything -from workflow and quality control to mentoring new artisans—ensuring our model remains truly women-led.
Supporting them are five Masterjis (master tailors), who bring technical expertise in tailoring and weaving. They contribute to quality assurance and help transfer valuable technical skills.
How has the status of women in Rajasthan evolved over the years ? What more can be done, particularly by the government ?
Historically, women in Rajasthan had little autonomy. Most were excluded from education, decision-making, or dignified employment and were expected to conform to deeply rooted patriarchal norms. Today, many of our artisans earn more than their husbands—this shift has transformed family dynamics and inspired a new generation of girls in their communities.
To build on this progress, the government should invest more in women-led enterprises, support female farmers, expand skill-building initiatives, and improve girls’ education. Infrastructure is also crucial—better access to water, buildings, and renewable energy like solar power could be game-changing for rural women.
What defines Rajasthan’s traditional textile knowledge ?
Rajasthan’s textile traditions run deep—handloom weaving, natural dyeing, block printing, and embroidery are centuries-old crafts, passed down through generations. These aren’t just skills; they’re a cultural language, woven into the rhythm of our everyday lives.
Our folk songs celebrate the handloom and the colors we wear—vibrant pinks, oranges, and tie-dyes. Marigold is especially sacred to us—it’s widely used in dyeing at our center. In earlier times, every village had a textile ecosystem, and each home spun cotton on a charkha. Art and textiles are embedded in the Rajasthani soul.
How does preserving these traditional crafts empower women ?
When women see their embroidery or weaving valued by global brands, it reshapes their sense of identity. They no longer see themselves as invisible laborers—they become creators, leaders, and cultural custodians. Many of our artisans had never worked outside their homes or spoken in public before joining us. Today, they are managers, mentors, and changemakers.
Traditional crafts offer more than income—they offer dignity, self-worth, and a powerful voice.
Would you say craft-making has a healing or even medicinal quality for both makers and wearers ?
Absolutely. For the women creating these garments, crafting is a form of meditation. Stitch by stitch, it brings peace, focus, and a deep sense of connection. For those who wear these garments, the healing comes from knowing they are wrapped in something made slowly, sustainably, and with love. Each piece carries the energy, resilience, and emotion of its maker.
What kind of collaborations does Saheli Women have within the fashion industry ?
We collaborate with over 60 fashion brands around the world—including Lisa Corti, Zazi, Tado, Louise Misha, and Beau & Ro. These partnerships allow us to offer small-batch, ethical, and fully traceable production, while providing stable income for our artisans.
Beyond commercial collaborations, we also partner with global organizations like the UN Fashion Impact Fund to support craft preservation and handloom revival.
What are your dreams and upcoming projects ?
We’re about to launch the Saheli Women School of Skills Development, a residential program where women can gain practical skills, leadership training, and craft preservation knowledge. Our goal is to empower more rural women through education and financial independence.
We’re also expanding our organic cotton initiative, supporting women-led farming groups and building a regenerative, fully traceable supply chain. Long-term, we envision developing an artisan village in Bhikamkor, where craft, community, and sustainability can thrive together.
In your experience, how do handmade textiles carry the spirit or memory of the women who create them ?
Our way of making garments is rooted in love and intention. When women craft in a space that honors their dignity and creativity, that energy becomes woven into the fabric. These aren’t just garments, they’re stories, memories, and manifestations of strength.
How do you see the relationship between women, the Earth, and traditional craft in today’s world ?
Women nurture their families just as they nurture the soil. Traditional crafts reflect that balance. Through organic cotton farming, natural dyeing, and handloom weaving, we see how women can regenerate both culture and land. In today’s fast-moving world, this connection provides a path forward—grounded in sustainability, led by women, and rooted in care for the Earth.
Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share ?
Fashion can be a force for good—when it respects both people and the planet. To consumers, I say: when you choose ethical, handmade garments, you’re not just buying clothing, you’re investing in dignity, tradition, and the Earth’s regeneration.
Together, we can prove that grassroots, women-led fashion isn’t just possible, it’s the future.
With gratitude to Madhu Vaishnav and the Saheli Women team.
Photos : Saheli Women – Anastasia Young for Louise Misha / Naveli Choyal
Visit the Saheli Women’s website
More about ancestral wisdom and textile transmission in our magazine
