Manali Dress - Punch/Multi

Safiya Begum Khan: Embroidery Artisan, WARE

When Safiya got married, her husband told her to give up her job at WARE. When he lost his job, however, Safiya convinced him to let her rejoin WARE. This was their lifeline when he lost his job again permanently during COVID. When other businesses were closing and laying off, MarketPlace paid all the artisans a subsidy although they could not work. “I was the only person receiving money. This changed the way he looked at me and my job.” He had never understood the commitment and support she felt. She further impressed him when she argued with authorities on his behalf and convinced them not to fine her husband for unauthorized street sales. Now she feels her husband has new respect for her work and her abilities. “Things are much better than before.”