Despite being pulled out of school in the  seventh grade and spending her early adult life tending to her four sons, Maryamben desired a life away from household responsibilities. When she learnt about SEWA’s artisans’ cooperative and its several training programmes, she saw an opportunity to transform her life. Faced with stiff opposition at home, Maryamben stood firm in her resolve and joined the training sessions.

Maryamben has been associated with SEWA for the past 35 years and has mastered the art of making Bandhanis (tie and dye), block printing, tailoring and embroidering. She now works as a master artisan at the Abodana Chhapkaam Mandali and trains new artisans. She has also attended design training programmes at institutes such as the National Institute of Design.

Over the years, Maryamben’s has participated in several exhibitions and expositions. She teaches women in remote villages the art of block printing, empowering them to gain financial independence. Today, Maryamben is living the life of her dreams.