Partly situated in West Bengal on the Bangladesh border, the group is based in the Sundarbans, an outstandingly beautiful and remote region of mangrove forest. Being such an isolated part of the world, the area is a key target for gangs of human traffickers where income-generating opportunities, especially for women, are scarce.
A little more about the women...
We met the NGO supporting the women when on a Customer Trip to West Bengal not long before the global lockdown gripped the world in 2020 and were immediately impressed with their work and mission and how their values aligned so closely with Secret Projects. They work with groups of marginalized women who are at risk of being trafficked and help them to enhance their sewing skills by providing tailoring and stitching training.  Following this training, the women are able to earn an income using their skills.

We began working with the group when we launched an appeal during lockdown, asking our Customers, Shareholders, and Friends to sponsor packs of face masks that our Makers (the name we give to the groups of women who stitch our products) would stitch to earn an income during this difficult time. When finished, the masks were distributed to those most in need in the Maker's communities.

We are delighted to continue our relationship with the group and Lissy, Secret Projects Quality Controller is now working with them to introduce our Secret Scrunchies to their repertoire.

We look forward to developing our connection with this amazing group of women over the coming years.

Photo: The women from the Sundarbans Maker Group with team members of the NGO that supports them.