Sewing the Seeds
Providing women in India with education and employment in textiles to break the cycle of poverty.
Sewing The Seeds is a social enterprise in South India that equips women from disadvantaged backgrounds with textile education and dignified employment. By producing wholesale and retail textile products, including upcycled saree designs, the organisation creates fair work opportunities while promoting traditional, sustainable practices.
2025 Pitch
Funds Raised: $40,813
Pitched for support to build on the success of their Pondicherry centre by partnering with a village community in Jaipur, India, to provide women with textile education and pathways to ongoing employment. The project will support a local leader and tailoring instructor to create sustainable livelihoods while connecting women to international markets, helping them overcome systemic barriers to safe work and economic independence.
6 Month Impact
12 Months
The funding supported Sewing the Seeds to expand their model to a second location establishing a sustainable employment center in Khatu Shyam, India. The new centre supported eight women by purchasing sewing machines and delivering a year-long education program. Within 6 months the local community attracted their first local wholesale customer, and more recently they have acquired an Australian wholesale customer where the women are going to use the skills they have learnt to make 40 dresses.
Impact Story:
In the secluded village of Khatu Shyam, where women face limited access to education and employment, Urmila didi previously worked multiple jobs to support her family. After joining the textile training program, she secured stable, less physically demanding employment at the center. She has been able to put her training into action supporting the production of the first orders as well as being able to make clothes for her daughter.
Learn more about Sewing the Seeds
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals:
