Handcrafted Bags By Shakthi

Handcrafted Bags By Shakthi

Shakti, an initiative by the SHA Foundation established in 2014, stands as a non-profit organization committed to providing income-generating opportunities for underprivileged women and girls in Sri Lanka.

The heart of Shakti lies in its workshops, where individuals are equipped with the skills of hand and machine sewing, producing limited-edition handcrafted bags, pouches, and accessories. Essential support such as sewing machines, raw materials, transport allowances, meals, and an attendance-based incentive fee are provided, a practice that continues to this day.

The Shakti brand has organically evolved, showcasing beautifully stitched creations adorned with captivating prints and vibrant Sri Lankan handloom colors. The women and girls receive fair wages, and rigorous quality checks precede the marketing of Shakti products, initially in Sri Lanka and subsequently in Singapore.

One of Shakti’s remarkable features is the provision for artisans to take about a month’s work home after each workshop, a forward-thinking initiative that predates the pandemic by six years. This flexibility enables them to balance their responsibilities, caring for children and the elderly while managing household duties.

Emphasizing a commitment to sustainability, Shakti endeavors to reuse, recycle, and upcycle materials whenever possible. By carefully controlling fabric wastage during cutting and repurposing donated fabrics, Shakti creates fabric packaging pouches, replacing plastic packaging. This not only contributes to environmental conservation but also generates additional job opportunities. These reusable fabric packaging pouches are offered as a complimentary gift with each purchase, serving as a token of gratitude to customers for their role in environmental preservation.

As Shakti continues to empower women and girls in Sri Lanka through its creatively designed limited-edition brand, the organization remains dedicated to its mission of making a difference. In all its endeavors, Shakti strives to be as environmentally conscious as possible, underscoring its commitment to positive social impact and sustainable practices.