Author: Jigyasa Mishra

her life

Kumhartuli artisans in full swing ahead of Durgo Pujo

West Bengal's artisans flock to Kumhartuli village for crafting Durga idols during Durgo Pujo. Some switch careers for six months while others specialise in making jewellery, attire and wigs.

her life

Forbidden love in rural Punjab

Their love is strong, but life is a struggle for this lesbian couple from rural Punjab. Without a law that recognises same-sex marriage, like many they struggle to rent homes and often hide their identity.

her life

“Society should accept us as humans, not treat us as aliens”

Ashfa, a transwoman living in Varanasi, lives life to the fullest with her friends, despite the lack of employment opportunities for transgenders, mostly limited to commercial sex work which leads to humiliation and exploitation.

her life

Distant dream of sex reassignment surgery

With government hospitals lacking mandated hormonal therapy and counselling facilities for transgenders and private hospitals super expensive, sex reassignment surgery is beyond the reach of transgenders.

her life

“My daughter was cold and still”

Shintu, who lives on the outskirts of Varanasi, was underweight and anaemic when she got pregnant during the pandemic. Because her husband lost his job, she did not eat well and gave birth to a premature baby – but lost her five months later. Read Shintu's story in her own words.

her life

Weak and vulnerable pandemic babies

The pandemic cut off health care, and sometimes even food, from many marginalised Indians, with pregnant woman often taking the brunt of the burden. Now their children are paying the price.

her life

Lockdown drives embroidery artisans to alternate jobs

With sales dwindling to a low during the lockdown, artisans who undertake skilled embroidery, have been forced to shutter workshops and switch to other means of livelihood

her life

Online classes spell end of education for rural girls

With boys getting preference to use the single multimedia phone at home, girls from poor rural households have discontinued studies, resigning themselves to an early marriage

her life

Mishing women practice social distancing by solo weaving

Women of Mishing tribe, who weave traditional clothes in groups at a community center, now weave alone at home, practicing social distancing to check the spread of coronavirus

her life

Madhubani painters want better deal for their work

Despite global recognition, women painters of the Madhubani folk art form in Jitwarpur village have failed to escape the clutches of middlemen, who corner most of the profits. State initiatives could help stop the exploitation

her life

Toymakers of Chitrakoot struggle with declining demand

Cultural changes and urbanization have led to a shrinking market for Chitrakoot’s wooden toys and a decline in the number of traditional toymakers, yet a few carry on, hoping for the best about the craft’s future

her life

Tie and dye add color to women’s lives in Nosariya

Learning the traditional art of coloring fabrics is enabling many women in rural Bikaner to add an additional source of household income in an area where patriarchy makes it difficult for them to step out of their villages