The Lijjat Papad co-operative has been transforming lives since 1959 by providing women with the opportunity to work from home and earn a decent income while balancing family responsibilities. Today, it stands as a beacon of financial independence and social change.
Empowering Lives: The Remarkable Journey of India's Lijjat Papad Co-operative
Empowering Lives: The Remarkable Journey of India's Lijjat Papad Co-operative
A social enterprise founded by seven housewives empowers over 45,000 women in India through sustainable livelihoods.
On a chilly December morning, women clad in vibrant saris and warm shawls congregate outside a bustling building in Delhi, signaling the vibrancy of a unique social enterprise known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad. Founded in 1959 by seven housewives in Mumbai, the cooperative was established with the intention to empower women through the production of papad, a beloved crispy snack integral to Indian cuisine.
Fast forward sixty-five years, Lijjat has expanded significantly, with over 45,000 women members and an impressive annual turnover of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million). Its products are not only staples in Indian households but are also exported to countries like the UK and the US.
Lakshmi, a 70-year-old who has been with Lijjat for four decades, encapsulates the transformative power of this cooperative. After the death of her husband, joining Lijjat marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Managing 150 women at the Delhi centre, she insists, "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families."
Women like Lakshmi head to their local centers daily, where they collect pre-mixed dough. They skillfully shape this dough into papads at home, harmonizing their productive work with their domestic duties. While it once took Lakshmi hours to produce a kilogram of dried lentil papads, her proficiency now allows her to miraculously halve that time.
The co-operative's growth reflects a pivotal moment in India's history. In the wake of independence, the country was seeking sustainable solutions for empowering women in a patriarchal society while promoting small-scale industries. Supported by social worker Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, the women founders took a leap of faith to launch their business with a mere loan of 80 rupees.
Despite initial setbacks in selling their products, perseverance paid off when local shopkeepers began to stock their poppadoms, igniting the co-operative's success. Instead of viewing themselves as employees, these women saw each other as co-owners with equal rights. This shared ethos has been a cornerstone of Lijjat's longevity and success.
After years of operating without an official brand name, the use of "Lijjat," which means "taste" in Gujarati, was adopted in 1966 following a suggestion from one of its members. Since then, the cooperative's papads have gained immense popularity and continue to be a household name across India.
The impact of this co-operative transcends economic gains. Lakshmi, alongside her peers, has been able to provide her children with education, build a home, and ensure their futures. "Working here, I have found not just an income but respect," she reflects.
Lijjat Papad stands not only as a profitable business but as a powerful movement that has empowered generations of women, facilitating their journey towards financial independence and societal recognition.
Fast forward sixty-five years, Lijjat has expanded significantly, with over 45,000 women members and an impressive annual turnover of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million). Its products are not only staples in Indian households but are also exported to countries like the UK and the US.
Lakshmi, a 70-year-old who has been with Lijjat for four decades, encapsulates the transformative power of this cooperative. After the death of her husband, joining Lijjat marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Managing 150 women at the Delhi centre, she insists, "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families."
Women like Lakshmi head to their local centers daily, where they collect pre-mixed dough. They skillfully shape this dough into papads at home, harmonizing their productive work with their domestic duties. While it once took Lakshmi hours to produce a kilogram of dried lentil papads, her proficiency now allows her to miraculously halve that time.
The co-operative's growth reflects a pivotal moment in India's history. In the wake of independence, the country was seeking sustainable solutions for empowering women in a patriarchal society while promoting small-scale industries. Supported by social worker Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, the women founders took a leap of faith to launch their business with a mere loan of 80 rupees.
Despite initial setbacks in selling their products, perseverance paid off when local shopkeepers began to stock their poppadoms, igniting the co-operative's success. Instead of viewing themselves as employees, these women saw each other as co-owners with equal rights. This shared ethos has been a cornerstone of Lijjat's longevity and success.
After years of operating without an official brand name, the use of "Lijjat," which means "taste" in Gujarati, was adopted in 1966 following a suggestion from one of its members. Since then, the cooperative's papads have gained immense popularity and continue to be a household name across India.
The impact of this co-operative transcends economic gains. Lakshmi, alongside her peers, has been able to provide her children with education, build a home, and ensure their futures. "Working here, I have found not just an income but respect," she reflects.
Lijjat Papad stands not only as a profitable business but as a powerful movement that has empowered generations of women, facilitating their journey towards financial independence and societal recognition.
