EMPOWERING WOMEN

Traditionally, weaving was an art predominantly carried out by the male members of the family. When REHWA Society was set up, it became evident that there were many young women in need of empowerment, a sense of purpose and most of all, an income source. Many of these women had faced several hardships in their lives before they walked through the doors of REHWA, and it became an aim for the organisation to help them find their way. Even today, 85% of the weavers working with REHWA Society are women.

HOUSING, HEALTHCARE AND OTHER FACILITIES

In the late 1990’s, as REHWA grew to be more well known, it became possible for the organisation to fulfill its other ideals. Richard and Sally Holkar built Ahilya Vihar Colony, within walking distance of REHWA’s main office in  Ahilya Fort. Here, 40 houses were built for weavers’ families at a subsidised rate. Regular electricity and water supply were ensured and a hospital was also set up for any medical needs. All the weavers were placed with a Provident Fund Facility to provide them with the support and backing that they needed. Now, REHWA produces between 1100 and 1300 high quality textiles per month with 70 happy weavers supported by up to 30 staff members.

AHILYA BAL JYOTI SCHOOL

When several developments were being made for REHWA, and Maheshwar as a whole, the founders hoped to someday provide high quality education as well. Dreams became a reality, when Ahilya Bal Jyoti School was founded in 1989, with the help of a grant from the German aid organisation, BORDA.

What started as a batch of 60 students and 2 teachers, turned to double the numbers in 1995, and today the Ahilya School educates 240 students, from nursery to Class VIII through the Montessori System. 16 well trained teachers provide their service to the school along with a well balanced curriculum (rigorously preparing students for the government entrance exam at Class VII, and also emphasising on creative thinking, sports and of course, handloom weaving) designed by our consultant, Ms. Feroza Mehta. The Ahilya Bal Jyoti school, all it’s staff and beautiful children, are REHWA’s pride and joy, and we deem it our biggest achievement so far.

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