Shakti at International Christmas Charity Bazaar on Sunday

Shakti reaches out to women and girls undergoing difficult circumstances by giving them an opportunity to support themselves.

At Shakti, they are taught to produce beautifully handcrafted bags, pouches and other items as a means for them to earn a regular income. Locally sourced handloom fabric is often cleverly matched with imported printed fabrics with interesting designs. 

Shakti is constantly looking for new concepts and even uses the traditional Beeralu lace in a contemporary manner with colourful handloom. Shakti also has its very own signature “Shakti lining” made of cotton fabric which sets it apart from all other similar products. All in all, a Shakti product is one that is outstandingly different, as a “made-in-Sri Lanka” handcrafted product. 

Besides being an avenue for these ladies to acquire a skill that translates into being a source of income, Shakti strives to provide them with much more than that…

Shakti hopes to instil lifelong values that can encompass broader “life skills”. The women and girls are taught the value of an opportunity given, the value of work, and to go that extra mile in doing their best in whatever they undertake and most importantly to take pride in a job well done. Shakti takes quality control seriously and the women understand the subtle differences between a passable product and a quality product.  

In the informal workshop settings, social values are also subtly but surely imparted. All the women who are helped through Shakti come with all types of personal difficulties and struggles. At Shakti, however, all are considered equal, and mutual respect and dignity is accorded to everyone. The more experienced women are encouraged to help the newer and weaker ones. They see Shakti as a place of learning and interacting, a safe haven of sorts and indeed as a place of building friendships as well. 

They do look forward to the one-week workshop that takes place once every two months at the Shakti gallery premises. Thereafter they take home all the prepared materials to work on for the next two months. They are always reminded that a well-stitched product is a priority. When the finish goods are brought back to Shakti, quality checks are made. The women are paid and the products are individually packaged and placed for sale at the Shakti Gallery.

Shakti symbolises a quality product which is strong and long lasting. Shakti also gives a platform to the women to showcase their talents and it enables a positive change in their lives by providing them with a regular source of income. The women are also exposed to an entrepreneurial culture at Shakti which will encourage them to think about developing their own business in future and further improve their lives.

Visit Shakti at ICCB 2016 (International Christmas Charity Bazaar 2016) on 27 November at Hilton Colombo Residences from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or visit the SHAKTI Gallery/Tea Tang outlet, open from Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 11, Havelock Rd, Colombo 5.