In the relief camps of Manipur, displaced Meitei and Kuki women are turning to weaving as a means to rebuild their lives. At least 10 handlooms and a seed fund of Rs 10,000 as an interest-free loan, provided by the NGO Eta Northeast Women Network, have offered a glimmer of hope amidst despair.
Weaving as Therapy and Livelihood
For women like Reena Mutum, a displaced Meitei at Laisoi relief camp in Bishnupur district, weaving traditional attire has become both a therapeutic activity and a source of income. Priya Thiyam, another Meitei woman at the same camp, echoes this sentiment, stating that the handloom allows her to support her family while preserving cultural heritage.
Kuki Women Also Benefit
In Kangpokpi district, Lamboithem Khongsai, a Kuki displaced woman, similarly uses the handloom to create traditional garments. The initiative not only provides financial stability but also fosters a sense of normalcy and community among the displaced.
Impact of the NGO Initiative
The Eta Northeast Women Network has been instrumental in empowering these women. The seed fund enables them to purchase raw materials, while the handlooms allow for production without additional costs. This model has proven effective in helping women regain their economic independence.
Weaving, a traditional skill passed down through generations, now serves as a lifeline. It helps women combat the trauma of displacement by focusing their minds on creative work and providing a steady income. The relief camps have thus become hubs of resilience, where threads of despair are woven into fabric of hope.
