Project Katran

Enactus CVS empowered women by providing them with vocational training in stitching, teaching them how to make bags out of recycled clothes. Enactus CVS was able to successfully turn these women into professional entrepreneurs and made them stand on their own feet.

Project Story

Our journey began with discovering a community of educated, skilled women who excel in stitching and sewing but lacked financial stability but understood the who’s-and-how of the world. Still, they were just the bread makers, not the bread earners. Despite their talents, these women had to relinquish their dreams of independence due to social discrimination and reliance on male counterparts.

In a country renowned for its vibrant colors and creativity, Project Katran seeked to restore equality by providing these women with the training and resources they needed. After rigorous market study, We developed a range of products, including tote bags, sling bags, pouches, festive lamps, dream catchers, and doll keychains, to help them achieve financial autonomy and recognition.

Launched in October 2014, Project Katran aimed to professionalize women entrepreneurs in stitching by utilizing upcycled or surplus cloth from assembly lines. We started by raising funds to set up centers, purchase equipment, and cover training costs. With the funds secured, we established our first center in Mansarovar Park and expanded to two additional centers. We sourced raw materials from partners like Fab India and Rudh Clothing and provided training to these women entrepreneurs.

Initially, sales were conducted through school and college fairs and online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and our website. As the project progressed, we transitioned from a B2C to a B2B model to streamline sales and distribution.

Our Community

Women are the soul of our houses who always shine brightly in the homes. Despite devoting their life to homes and families, many of them fail to make a mark for themselves in the society as their job of home maker goes unnoticed and are unable to carve an identity for their own selves. Our maiden project, Project Katran, was an attempt to help women from the lower stratum of the society to break free from the shackles of patriarchy and social discrimination which are still rampant in many parts of India.

Our Impact

Social Impact

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Project Katran challenged traditional gender roles by demonstrating that women can be both breadwinners and contributors to household income. This shift earned these women respect within their families and allowed them to participate in financial decisions, moving toward greater equality. Through Project Katran,over 90 women gained confidence and acquired skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Economic Impact

Our project leveraged discarded materials, keeping costs low and maximizing impact. Thanks to the dedication of these emerging entrepreneurs, the monthly income of beneficiaries increased by Rs 2,725 in the first year of our project . Project Katran created 26 job opportunities and received recognition in the Walmart Women Empowerment Competition 2015-16, earning a significant grant to further support our processing units.

Environmental Impact

Project Katran championed sustainability by repurposing discarded clothes and materials. By adhering to the principles of reuse, we diverted over 190 kg of cloth from landfills, reducing our carbon footprint and conserving over 11,40,000 liters of water. This approach not only helps the environment but also supports our commitment to waste reduction and resource conservation.