By: Bess Bryan

In visiting W.E.L.L Paper, our class was able to witness the depth of impact a small social enterprise focused on women’s empowerment brings to its community. Within their name, one understands the motivations of this organization. The acronym stands for Women’s Empowerment through Local Livelihood. Each word is embodied throughout their practices. As explained by their head of operations, Danny, women are involved in every step of product production. From concept design, to production and price setting, these women are encouraged to learn, get involved, teach, and share skills with each other. Danny explained that he had been a former employee in the corporate sector, inspiring him to create a version of business operations that is functional, sustainable, and respects the autonomy of the women involved and their local culture. He explained how it was crucial to extract the beneficial aspects of corporate life such as skill training and demonstrations for the women. He maintains the importance of allowing them to set their own prices and have creative freedom. 

W.E.L.L Paper’s approach to production also reduces waste and promotes ecological responsibility by using organic and recycled materials. This commitment to encouraging women’s autonomy and business sense, while also ensuring all products are completely upcycled and sustainable, addresses sustainability goals 10 and 12 (Reduced inequalities and Responsible consumption and production). Though the women individually produce and sell their varied goods (baskets, earrings, small sculptures etc.), I was also informed by staff member Vijaylakshmi that the women often gather together, creating a positive means of social interaction cultivated by women, for women. These entrepreneurs are offered a space to make their own money—regardless of the quantity—which as informed by Vijaylakshmi, they acquire equal—if not the majority—of the benefits through the ability to gather together, share stories, and find relation and confidence in one another. This responds to sustainability goal 5, achieving gender equality empowering all women and girls. She relayed that this is the true impact of W.E.L.L Paper. They improve the livelihoods of village women by fostering a space of care, empowerment, and community, creating networks of support and camaraderie amongst the women, all while equipping them with autonomy-building entrepreneurial skills. 

https://auroville.org/page/wellpaper