In 2015, Madhu Vaishnav founded Saheli Women with a clear mission: to economically and socially empower women in rural India. What started as a small initiative with just five women and a $100 budget has since flourished into a thriving organization, employing over 100 women across two Saheli Women centers and partnering with more than 60 global fashion brands.

Born into a traditional Brahmin family in Jodhpur, Madhu faced discrimination due to her darker skin tone. Her mother attempted to marry her off multiple times, but she was repeatedly rejected, and considered a burden to her family. At 22, she was finally married under a contract that dictated she could not work outside the home and was expected to fulfill the role of an ‘ideal’ housewife.

Despite challenges, Madhu was determined to educate herself and contribute to her family. When she enrolled her sons in an English-medium school, the principal was so impressed with her that she was offered a teaching position. Although her family initially forbade her from accepting the job, she eventually convinced them to allow her to teach.

That opportunity was the catalyst for her journey into becoming a founder. Four years later, she began working with an American NGO as a program coordinator in the slum areas outside Jodhpur, supporting female empowerment initiatives. Recognizing the need for bigger impact, she pursued a diploma in social development at the University of California, Berkeley and spent time gaining the knowledge and tools necessary to launch Saheli Women upon her return to India.

Starting in Bhikamkor, in her husband’s family home, Madhu built Saheli Women on the foundation of slow fashion and holistic empowerment. She faced significant challenges in recruiting women to join the center, as working outside the home was not considered culturally appropriate, but she worked to gain the trust of families, gradually overcoming societal barriers to create opportunities for women.

Saheli means “female friend” in Hindi.

Today, Saheli Women provides not only fair employment but also childcare and educational sponsorships for workers’ children. Many of the women who work at the centers are now the primary breadwinners in their families, challenging traditional gender roles and supporting economic independence. The organization also collaborates with local artisan communities to preserve traditional crafts while promoting ethical and sustainable fashion.

In the nine years since its founding, Saheli Women has created a space free from discrimination, where women are given agency, and a voice in rewriting the narrative for women in rural India.

To learn more about Saheli Women’s mission, values, and impact, explore their 2023/24 Impact Report, which details their progress in social, environmental, and cultural responsibility.