Imphal, Manipur, December 3 (HBTV): Handmade crocheted dolls are offering hope and livelihood to a group of internally displaced women in Manipur through an initiative called 'Project Stitching Hope.'

Project manager Nomita Ningrhoujam shared insights into the origins and growth of the project. She explained, 'When ethnic violence hit Manipur, we were desperate to help the people but weren’t sure how. Since Manipuri women are known for their handicrafts, we decided to empower displaced women by teaching them crochet skills.'

Ningrhoujam mentioned that the One Million Hope Company undertook a series of case studies before starting this initiative. The team visited camps for displaced people, reached out to individuals, and began teaching the required skills.

The groundwork for the project began with case studies in July 2023, and the production work commenced in September 2023. Over the past year, the group has focused on upgrading products to meet increasing demand while maintaining brand value.

Due to the limited market in Manipur, the group began targeting international markets, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, where there is now a high demand for these handmade dolls.

Ningrhoujam highlighted that the group aims to create a small ecosystem by innovating their products. For example, they provide seasonal accessories for the dolls. However, sourcing raw materials remains a significant challenge, especially amidst the ongoing ethnic violence and tensions in the region. To overcome this, the group imports materials in bulk or procures them through external suppliers.

This initiative not only supports displaced women but also showcases the resilience and creativity of Manipuri craftsmanship. (ANI)