CRAFTAVAN products display

Building Community

Our Advocacy & Community Building pillar goes beyond training and market access. We foster collaboration for sustainable artisan communities, facilitate wellbeing circles and community events, and amplify the unheard stories of women, crafts, and indigenous cultures.

Through multi-stakeholder engagement, we're building a supportive ecosystem that promotes gender equity, just climate action, and sustainable livelihoods for women artisans across India.

From climate justice workshops to travelling craft journeys, we create spaces where craft emerges as both livelihood and legacy — not just as a product, but as a way of life.

CRAFTAVAN — #MerakiOnWheels

Our very first travelling edition — a journey anchored in craft, culture, community, and consciousness.

CRAFTAVAN block printing workshop

From November 29 to December 9, 2025, CRAFTAVAN took to the roads of Rajasthan. Over 11 days, 4 locations, and 6 crafts, we co-created immersive experiences that connected artisans with conscious audiences through workshops, exhibits, tours, and storytelling.

Stops Along the Journey

  • Jaisalmer (Nov 29-30): Block Printing craft workshop at a wedding event
  • Bikaner (Dec 1-5): Usta Art — immersive tours and hands-on workshop
  • Jaipur (Dec 6-7): Embroidery & Appliqué exhibition
  • Ajmer (Dec 8-9): Khadi Handloom & Upcycling craft immersion

The journey enabled many collaborations, community outreach, artisan storytelling, and opened pathways for new creative and market possibilities for the future.

Advocacy Initiatives

Speaking up for artisan rights, climate justice, and women's empowerment.

LCOY India 2024
October 2024

LCOY India 2024, Mysore

Facilitated Climate Justice workshop exploring the intersection of gender and climate, shedding light on lived experiences of grassroots women. Participated in Green Jobs Fair showcasing artisan resilience.

Uplift Event IIIT Delhi
November 2024

'Uplift' Inauguration, IIIT Delhi

Co-founder Neha Jain invited as speaker at Social Entrepreneurship Cell Inauguration, sharing the journey of building Project Meraki and the power of impact entrepreneurship.

NYCC
July 2025

National Youth Climate Conclave, Dehradun

Training of Trainers hosted by UNICEF India and Bring Back Green. Highlighted Meraki's model of sustainable livelihoods through handicrafts and circular economy practices.

Tilonia Bazaar
October 2025

Tilonia Bazaar Outreach, Delhi

Partnered with Barefoot College to support outreach for their exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam. Created content and social media storytelling to amplify rural artisan voices.

My Bag My Style
December 17, 2025

'My Bag, My Style' Workshop, Delhi

Collaborated with JITO to enable tote bag painting workshop supporting tribal women artisans from Vikalp Hub, Madhya Pradesh. Each tote became a small act of solidarity.

Speaking engagement
Ongoing

Speaking & Storytelling

Regular speaking engagements at universities, corporate events, and community gatherings to share artisan stories and advocate for women's economic empowerment.

Amplify Artisan Voices

Invite us to speak at your event, collaborate on advocacy campaigns, or join our community building efforts.