Jewellery
- Brass and copper jewellery
- Wire-wrapped jewellery
- Stone-set jewellery
- Beaded jewellery
Women's livelihood programme in South 24 Parganas: Project Unmukt and the Y.E.S. Artisan Lab
Unmukt by Y.E.S. Crafted by Women. Carried with Purpose.
What is Unmukt by Y.E.S.?
Crafted by Women. Carried with Purpose.
In development · funding required
Unmukt is the emerging artisan-led brand of You Empower Society (Y.E.S.), created to connect craftsmanship with dignified livelihood opportunities for women and underrepresented communities in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
At the heart of Unmukt is the belief that skills, creativity, and opportunity can come together to create meaningful economic independence. Through the Y.E.S. Artisan Lab, participants receive structured, hands-on training in jewellery making and fabric-based accessories, developing the craftsmanship and confidence to take their next steps towards paid work.
Unmukt aims to create a pathway from learning to earning by connecting skilled artisans with production opportunities and customers in the wider market. By bringing together skill development, fair compensation, and market access, the initiative seeks to build a livelihood model that can grow in reach and become increasingly self-reliant.
Every Unmukt creation represents more than the finished product. It reflects the skill, dedication, and aspirations of the people who make it, and the possibilities that emerge when opportunity is built around dignity and inclusion.
Unmukt by Y.E.S. is where craft meets purpose, and where every creation carries a story of possibility.
Many people looking for a women empowerment NGO in Kolkata they can trust want to know one thing: does the help last? Unmukt is our answer, because the goal is income the women earn themselves.
Current project status
| Project | Unmukt by Y.E.S. |
|---|---|
| Associated programme | Y.E.S. Artisan Lab |
| Location | Budge Budge, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal |
| Programme status | In development; funding required |
| Proposed first cohort | 10 trainees |
| Intended participant age | 18 to 60 |
| Planned training duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Planned training schedule | Six days a week, 4 to 6 hours a day |
| Training stipend | Planned, subject to funding |
| Employment model | Intended employment pathway once production-ready |
| Payment model | Planned piece-rate payment with a guaranteed minimum income |
| Number trained under the new programme | 0 confirmed; the first cohort is still being identified |
| Number currently earning through the new programme | Not yet established |
| Funding requirement | Training stipends, tools, materials, infrastructure and production setup |
The need
Why women in South 24 Parganas need livelihood support
Many women have skill and the will to work, but no way to turn it into income close to home.
Few local earning options
Affordable, local skill-building and income platforms are missing.
Barriers for women
Housework, early marriage and limited mobility keep women out of paid work.
Talent without a market
Skilled artisans stay unpaid, underpaid or cut off from buyers.
Products
What Unmukt artisans will make
Unmukt by Y.E.S. is developing a collection of handcrafted products that bring together traditional techniques, contemporary design, and the creativity of its artisans.
Fabric Accessories
- Tote bags
- Pouches
- Organisers
- Gym bags
- Book covers
Each product category is being developed with an emphasis on craftsmanship, functionality, and the skills of the artisans who create them.
Market pathway
Bringing Artisan Creations to Market
Unmukt by Y.E.S. is working towards establishing a market pathway for artisan-made products. The proposed model involves You Empower Pvt Ltd procuring raw materials, purchasing finished products from You Empower Society, and bringing them to market under the Unmukt brand.
Planned sales channels include institutional and retail partnerships, exhibitions, pop-ups, corporate gifting, and digital platforms. These channels will be developed as funding and operational capacity become available.
The long-term vision is to create a commercially viable model that connects artisan skills with market demand while supporting fair compensation and dignified livelihoods.
Market development is currently on hold pending funding.
How we will report
Measuring Livelihood Impact
As the new programme has not yet commenced, reliable average monthly earnings figures are not currently available.
Once production and paid work begin, Y.E.S. will track key livelihood indicators, including:
- Number of artisans receiving payments
- Total payments made to artisans
- Average and median monthly earnings
- Number of artisans receiving regular work
- Duration of participation and retention
These measures will help Y.E.S. report on actual livelihood outcomes, assess the consistency of work opportunities, and strengthen the programme over time.
Trainer
Sumaiya Khatun
Lead Jewellery Trainer | Y.E.S. Artisan Lab
Sumaiya Khatun is a jewellery artisan and trainer whose journey reflects the power of skill development and the opportunities it can create. Through specialised training and hands-on experience, she has developed her craft and grown into a leadership role at the Y.E.S. Artisan Lab.
As Lead Jewellery Trainer, Sumaiya shares her knowledge, guides aspiring artisans, and supports the development of high-quality handcrafted jewellery. Her work brings together craftsmanship, creativity, and mentorship, helping other women build skills and explore new livelihood opportunities.
Support the Artisan Lab
Help 10 women start their journey from training to income
A monthly gift keeps training going for the full 6 to 12 months. You will get updates on the programme you support.
- 80G deduction (provisional approval, AY 2026-27 to 2028-29)
- Updates when the cohort starts
- Cancel a monthly gift anytime
Fund the first Artisan Lab cohort
Give ₹1,000 every month
UPIGPayPhonePePaytmVisaMastercardRuPayNet banking
🔒 Secure payment by Razorpay. Eligible for 80G deduction (provisional approval, AY 2026-27 to 2028-29). Indian citizens only. Cancel a monthly gift anytime.
Artisan Lab and Unmukt: questions
What is Unmukt by Y.E.S.?
Unmukt is the emerging artisan-led brand of You Empower Society (Y.E.S.), created to connect craftsmanship with dignified livelihood opportunities for women and underrepresented communities in South 24 Parganas. Training happens at the Y.E.S. Artisan Lab in Budge Budge.
Who can join the training?
The first cohort of 10 trainees, aged 18 to 60, is being identified now. Training will run for 6 to 12 months, six days a week, 4 to 6 hours a day. Call +91 98748 73613 to register your interest.
Is the Artisan Lab running yet?
Not yet. The programme is in development and needs funding for training stipends, tools, materials, infrastructure and production setup. Number trained under the new programme: 0 confirmed; the first cohort is still being identified.
How does my donation help?
Your gift goes towards training stipends, starter kits, materials and the production setup for the first cohort. A monthly gift helps most, because training runs for 6 to 12 months. Verified costs will be published as they become available.
Related: Darzi by Y.E.S. · Education & youth · Transparency
YES to livelihoods. YES to possibilities.
Say YES with us and help a woman build an income she owns.