Returning to Kashi with Inspiration: Reflections from Fabric Forum 2025 on Women’s Participation, Well-Being & Best Practices

 Returning to Kashi from Bangalore, my heart is full of gratitude, energy, and renewed commitment. On 18 November 2025, I had the privilege of participating in Fabric Forum 2025, organized by Nomi Network in collaboration with Good Business Lab, and supported by the Walmart Foundation. The event—held at the Bangalore International Center—brought together industry experts, development practitioners, grassroots leaders, and innovators working to improve the lives of millions of workers, especially women artisans and weavers.

This gathering was more than a conference; it was a space of learning, collaboration, and shared vision for inclusive and sustainable livelihood ecosystems.

A Heartwarming Reunion and Renewed Motivation

One of the most cherished moments of this journey was reconnecting with Mr. Idarish Ansari, President of the Forum on Rights of Weavers and Artisans. After a long time, sharing a warm conversation and a joyful selfie with him felt like reconnecting with the spirit of our collective struggle.

These bonds—rooted in the commitment to justice and dignity—continue to strengthen the work we do at PVCHR.

Returning to Kashi, I feel deeply encouraged and motivated to bring forward the insights gathered during the forum.

Women’s Participation, Well-Being & Best Practices: Key Learnings from Fabric Forum 2025

Fabric Forum 2025 placed strong emphasis on advancing women’s participation and well-being within the textile, garment, and artisan sectors. The discussions highlighted several promising practices from both industry and NGOs that align closely with PVCHR’s mission.

1. Enhancing Women’s Participation in Livelihoods

• Skills Development & Training

Industry and NGOs are collaborating to provide skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship support for women workers—helping build confidence, employability, and independence.

• Safe and Dignified Workplaces

Gender-sensitive policies, grievance redressal mechanisms, and anti-harassment frameworks are increasingly being adopted, allowing women to work without fear or discrimination.

• Leadership & Agency

Leadership circles and peer networks led by NGOs are enabling women to take on decision-making roles in cooperatives, enterprises, and community organizations.

2. Prioritizing Women’s Well-Being

• Mental Health & Psychosocial Support

The integration of counseling and trauma-informed care—especially for women facing workplace stress or domestic violence—is becoming a key best practice.

• Health & Nutrition Awareness

Workshops on reproductive health, maternal care, menstrual hygiene, and nutrition help ensure long-term well-being and autonomy.

• Financial Inclusion

Savings groups, microfinance linkages, and digital financial tools are empowering women to build assets and gain economic resilience.

3. Best Practices from Industry & Civil Society

• Evidence-Based Worker-Centric Approaches

Organizations like Good Business Lab shared research-driven insights that improve productivity while enhancing worker well-being—proving that humane practices benefit everyone.

• Ethical & Transparent Supply Chains

Businesses are increasingly adopting ethical sourcing standards that ensure fair wages, safe environments, and dignity for artisans and women workers.

• Community-Led Empowerment Models

NGOs emphasized participatory methods—ensuring that the voices of women shape the programs intended for them. This approach leads to sustainable, culturally rooted solutions.

Moving Forward with Gratitude and Resolve

The connections, conversations, and collective learning at Fabric Forum 2025 strengthen PVCHR’s determination to advance human dignity, especially for women, artisans, and marginalized workers.

I extend heartfelt thanks to Nomi Network, Good Business Lab, and the Walmart Foundation for creating this platform of dialogue and collaboration.

As I return to Kashi, I carry with me not just insights—but renewed hope, solidarity, and the energy to deepen our work with communities.

Together, we continue the journey toward dignity, equality, and sustainable livelihoods for all.

**#FabricForum2025 #NomiNetwork #GoodBusinessLab #WalmartFoundation

#Weavers #Artisans #SustainableLivelihoods #WomenEmpowerment
#InclusiveWorkplaces #KashiJourney #PVCHR**

Article of Shruti Nagvanshi on Vegetarian food and health

The Many Health Benefits of a Pure Vegetarian Diet

A pure vegetarian lifestyle offers a wide range of health benefits that support overall well-being. When our daily meals are rich in essential nutrients, they help the body stay strong, energetic, and disease-free. A balanced vegetarian diet typically includes proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of fiber—all of which work together to maintain good health.

Vegetarian foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, pulses, legumes, nuts, and seeds nourish the body naturally. These foods contain antioxidants that help fight harmful free radicals, support the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Because plant-based meals are generally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, they promote better heart health and help prevent hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

One of the key advantages of vegetarian food is that it is easy to digest. A diet rich in leafy vegetables, whole grains, and fiber helps maintain digestive health and prevents issues such as constipation and acidity. People who follow a vegetarian diet often report increased energy levels, improved metabolism, and better weight management.

Many nutrition experts also highlight the role of plant-based foods in balancing hormones and improving skin, hair, and overall vitality. Regular consumption of vegetables like carrots, leafy greens, cucumbers, and peas helps nourish the skin from within, making it healthier and more radiant.

A vegetarian diet is also believed to contribute to mental clarity and emotional stability. Foods such as nuts, seeds, lentils, and spinach provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and magnesium, which support brain function and reduce stress levels.

In today’s busy lifestyle, shifting toward a pure vegetarian diet can be a powerful step toward better health. It not only helps prevent lifestyle diseases but also contributes to longevity and vitality. With a wide variety of delicious vegetarian options available, adopting this way of eating can be both enjoyable and deeply rewarding.

A pure vegetarian diet is more than just a food choice—it is a holistic approach to living a healthier, more balanced life.