Burqa-clad entrepreneurs of Jamia Nagar

NEW DEHLI:

Sara Pilot was amazed at the response to the just-concluded ‘Jamia Bazaar’ — her effort to provide a platform to the underprivileged women of Jamia Nagar, who came sans their ‘burqas’ to showcase their talent.

It turned out to be a roaring success with participants earning good profits. The two-day exhibition, organised by Sara Pilot and Lora Prabhu, her partner at the NGO Centre for Equity and Inclusion (Cequin), concluded on March 14, at the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC).

“I am amazed at the response on the first day. There was no vacant seat and people were cheering the ladies with applause and whistles when they walked the ramp (at a fashion show held as part of the event),” said Sara Pilot.

Some of the highlights of the exhibition were embroidered kurtis and shalwars, beaded bags, artefacts and other accessories made by the women of Jamia Nagar, which lies in the lee of the prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia University.

“The women of this area have never attempted to test their entrepreneurial skills, especially in hand-embroidered items. ‘Jamia Bazaar’ is the first such effort in the inclusive process and we did it successfully,” Pilot said.

“The prices were kept minimal to get the best response from the public. There was no cost for putting up the stalls. The fabrics and materials used for making the garments were hand-made; so the commercial viability factor was there. Whatever money we generated from the exhibition will go directly to the women of Jamia Nagar,” she said, adding the prices were kept between INRs50 and INRs800.

“There were some initial hiccups, but the girls, especially from the Muslim community, were so excited that eventually their parents allowed them to be a part of this venture,” said Sara Pilot, who belongs to an influential political family.”

‘Jamia Bazar’ also took care of people’s taste buds as there were food stalls selling mouth-watering kebabs and ‘biryani’.

Not only that, young girls were offering services like mehendi, tattooing and nail art.

The participants were enthusiastic about the whole exercise as they learnt quite a few business tricks over the two days.

Esha Rani, who had a stall there, shared her happiness, saying: “Everything happened very smoothly and we were delighted to be part of ‘Jamia Bazaar’. It gave us exposure and an opportunity to learn marketing skills, especially on how to negotiate.”

“We sold around 50 kurtis and a dozen shalwar suits. Yes, the bargaining for the garments was always there, nonetheless it was profitable business. I earned INRs50 per piece. If given a chance, I will definitely participate next time as well,” she added

Another participant, Zeba, said: “The first day proved fruitful for me as I sold more than 65 pairs of earrings and neck pieces and that also at market prices.”

A visibly pleased Pilot said: “The long-term vision for this project is to make a conscious effort to break out of gender stereotypes and with the support of the Jamia nagar women, we did it gracefully.”

Jamia Bazaar was also an attempt to encourage people to visit the neighbourhood.

“People do not go to Jamia Nagar for food or shopping, especially after the recent activities attributed to terrorists,” said Lora Prabhu.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2011.