In the fight for a sustainable planet, women are proving to be powerful changemakers. According to the United Nations, when women are involved in environmental decision-making, outcomes are more inclusive, equitable, and effective. Moreover, women-led sustainability initiatives often result in stronger local economies and more resilient communities. At NaariSamata, it is within this transformative space of empowerment and sustainability that EcoEmpower: Women’s Green Bag Project, takes root.

At its heart, the EcoEmpower project is more than a livelihood programme—it is a movement towards the involvement of unemployed women from six villages in Tamil Nadu, India in creating a greener and more equitable future. It offers these women the opportunity to earn sustainable incomes by producing eco-friendly paper bags. By replacing harmful plastic with biodegradable alternatives, these women are taking a stand for both the planet and their own economic freedom.

Our instruments for driving this initiative:

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. In India alone, over 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, much of which ends up in landfills or water bodies. The EcoEmpower project addresses this by training women to craft durable, attractive paper bags as sustainable alternatives. The project’s goal: to produce and distribute at least 50,000 paper bags per month within six months of launch.

Based out of the Rural Development Centre (RDC) in Kamandoddi, Tamil Nadu, EcoEmpower is aimed at providing women monthly training sessions in paper bag production from September 2024 to August 2025. The project has been designed to become financially self-sustaining by the third month, with sales revenue covering operational costs—an impressive milestone in nonprofit programme design.

To ensure that the paper bags reach markets, we have partnered with a local charity and have highlighted the environmental dangers of plastic through awareness campaigns. Our two pronged approach of advocacy plus livelihood has helped us cultivate a community culture that amalgamates empowerment and sustainability. Our emphasis on community ownership—involving our beneficiaries in decision-making and operations—ensures that the initiative remains resilient, accountable, and deeply rooted in local needs.

Real outcomes, real impact:

• Economic Empowerment: Women gain access to stable income streams, fostering independence and improved household well-being.
• Environmental Benefits: Each paper bag replaces a potential plastic pollutant, making an immediate impact on local ecosystems.
• Community Development: The infusion of skills, infrastructure, and awareness into these villages helps foster a culture of self-reliance and environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead:

What makes EcoEmpower truly transformative is its potential for replication. With standardized training modules and a modular production setup, our plan for this project is to introduce in other rural regions. Our expansion plan includes acquiring more equipment, scaling up the workforce, and forming additional partnerships with NGOs and eco-conscious businesses.

Your support can make a profound impact on the lives of women in rural India. By contributing to this initiative, you’re not only helping create sustainable livelihoods but also championing a greener, more equitable future for these communities. Together, let’s make a difference.