HeyJute is committed to empowering disadvantaged women to help themselves. As such, HeyJute’s branded line of products is made by self-help women’s groups in India. The profiles of the women range from living in violent domestic situations, to having come from extremely poor and remote villages with no formal education or skills development. Some of the women are unmarried or widowed which have isolated them as social outcasts in their respective communities. Collectively, the women share a desire for financial independence to sustain themselves and their families, and to free themselves from oppressive structures.
As half of the female population in India is illiterate and unaware of the Minimum Wages Act, women are often exploited and paid unfairly for their hard work in unacceptable working conditions (i.e. sweat shops). In contrast, government audited women's self-help groups ensure that paid wages are fair and meet legal requirements. These groups also receive financial aid and training at the outset.
The talented and skilled self-help women’s groups that produce HeyJute line products report that their place of work is also a place of peace, refuge, and support that frees them from isolation. Aside from their work duties, the women regularly meet to discuss their family and domestic situations to give and receive support.
The women who make up these self-help groups chose to help themselves. We at HeyJute, chose to help these women. We hope that you will choose to help us!