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**