Anita Sakpal: Balancing Family and Craft at Ekta Cooperative

Anita Sakpal, 40, is an embroidery artisan at the Ekta Cooperative in Thane. Despite her potential and inclination to take on a bigger role, her family responsibilities often limit her time. Living in a joint family of 11 members, including her mother-in-law, brother, and sister-in-law, Anita shares many household duties. She also ensures she spends quality time with her two children, a son, and a daughter.

Journey to Ekta Cooperative
Anita moved to Thane after her marriage 17 years ago and joined the Ekta Cooperative in 2017. Before her marriage, she worked in a garment factory producing handkerchiefs. When the opportunity arose to join a women's cooperative, Anita seized it. Her mother-in-law, a member of the nearby Arpan Cooperative, taught her various embroidery stitches, paving the way for her new role.

Leadership and Growth
Anita's active participation and leadership skills earned her the position of leader of the Arman Club for children, where she excelled in designing and conducting activities. "As I started working and became part of MarketPlace, I was exposed to so many new things. I learned a lot through my work and the various sessions and workshops we attended," she shares. Her work has not only provided her with financial independence but also allowed her to travel and improve her communication and time management skills. Anita takes pride in balancing her work, household duties, and caring for her children, viewing every new task as an opportunity to learn.

Empowerment and Self-Development
Anita made a significant impression on International Women's Day by sharing her views on self-development and empowerment. "Empowerment, in my opinion, is when we strive towards learning and updating our knowledge on things we don't know but also when we can share that knowledge with others and help them with it," she stated. The lockdown restrictions forced Anita to learn new technologies, making her confident in attending and conducting online meetings. She now assists new artisans in navigating online platforms, advocating for women to seize opportunities for advancement.

Anita's story highlights her dedication to balancing family responsibilities with her passion for embroidery. Her leadership at Ekta Cooperative and commitment to continuous learning and empowerment reflect the resilience and strength of women artisans in cooperatives. Anita continues to inspire others with her ability to manage multiple roles and embrace new opportunities for growth.