The Stree Shakti program serves as an income-generating opportunity for underprivileged women in Purkal village and surrounding rural communities.  Due to a lack of education, skills as well as cultural and social problems in these small villages, families struggle to survive on a low, single income and are stuck in a continuous cycle of poverty. The women often stay home to care for the family while the men struggle to find work as laborers. Men often spend their earnings outside the home and, as a result, there is little income to care for the family and children.

Stree Shakti helps to create economic stability for women to meet the needs of their desperately poor families. The program aims to empower women to become income earners in their family by providing them with the resources and training for producing and selling handicrafts.  With design and market assistance from our staff, the women stitch quilts, cushion covers, handbags, placemat sets and a variety of beautifully handmade products, which are sold throughout the local community and abroad.  The women receive the full benefits of their laborand are able to produce a sustainable income to ensure proper education and health for their family and children.