The scarring influence of the sex trade does not affect just one generation in India. Despairing mothers often leave a legacy of poverty and prostitution to their daughters, who in turn carry on because they know no other lifestyle.
Enter Love Calcutta Arts. Its handicrafts unit enables young women to support themselves with dignity and help their mothers leave the sex industry. These hardworking women make high-quality, handmade paper products and throws in a loving environment where they learn of their Father’s love for them.
Love Calcutta Arts employs 45 women artisans. Through their work at Love Calcutta Arts, these women have more financial stability, which will give their families a better future. The women are able to eat healthier and full meals. They are able to pay for their children’s educational fees. Above all, this income gives them freedom from the sex-trade.
One woman, Mary*, has worked at Love Calcutta Arts for many years. Her mother was addicted to alcohol and involved in the sex trade. Mary was alone. When she began at Love Calcutta Arts, she was given a room to live in safety and then an initial deposit for a safe place to live. Now Mary is the breadwinner for her family. Her mother is no longer addicted to alcohol. Mary now feels safe and secure. Mary is experiencing true freedom.
WMU Compassion Ministry Pure Water, Pure Love has also partnered with Love Calcutta Arts to provide clean water filters for the artisans and their families.
Products Handmade by Artisans at Love Calcutta Arts
The talented artisans at Love Calcutta Arts make these beautiful journals with handmade paper and throws handmade from saris.
New! Cross Journal—Pink
In a bold, bright pink, this PVC leather-bound journal embossed with a cross is the ideal size to carry on the go. Perfect for writers, notetakers, and list makers.
Kantha Notebook
Use the unique Kantha Notebook as a way to write prayers or keep up with daily tasks. Each notebook is filled with handmade paper and covered in three layers of different sari fabrics that have been kantha-stitched (running-stitched).
Calcutta Sari Throw
Artisans turn their beloved and intricately designed saris into a functional throw seen and enjoyed in the home.
*Name changed.