Who are
the Artisans?
721 artisans in Umerkot and 250 artisans in Thatta are trained and have learnt the importance of working in a group, how to use design in crafts, the importance of quality assurance, time management, pricing, and negotiation skills. These artisans have experience of working with urban retailers, understand their requirements well and can work under pressure to complete orders in time.

How does Taanka support the Artisans?
Before the artisans joined the Taanka social enterprise, they were earning less than $ 10 and that too from agriculture only. Now some of the artisans are earning more than $ 65 , and are very satisfied. Many of them do not need to toll in Sindh’s scorching heat in farms anymore. Increase in income and working in groups has given them confidence as well to have a say in decision making. Taanka is proud to say that most of them are on the path to empowerment.
- Income level of artisans have increased from $5 to $50, some are even earning more than $100 per month
- Mobility of Artisans has increased. Artisans who did not get chance to visit nearby villages, travelled to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. This has given them sense of achievement which they never felt in their lives
- Financial independence of women artisans to save, spend on themselves, spend on health
- Decision making power of women artisans increased in households and communities
- Enrollment level in schools has increased in the area. Many children who could not afford to go to school are now studying
- Taanka is paving a path towards gender equality in the region
- There is an increase in basic literacy among women