Poocharam Kaniyambadi Block Federation For Rural Women Self Help Groups, or
Poocharam Federation, is a community-based organization committed to artisan
development. Poocharam Federation is based in Vellore, India, in the southern
state of Tamil Nadu. The organization is focused on empowering women, and seeks
to rectify gender inequality by giving women financial power within their own
families. Poocharam Federation artisans produce a variety of woven fiber
products, using palm leaf, sisal, banana bark and coconut leaf. Artisans are
all women, and come from disadvantaged landless families. Poocharam Federation
is also proud of its advocacy work in encouraging women to be politically
involved. In 1998, leaders within the organization ran for local office and
were elected, which represented a shift in local thinking. Currently some 30
women leaders within Poocharam Federation hold local office, and the
organization continues to encourage political and community involvement among
its members.



Poocharam Federation was established in 1992 by Christian Medical College in
Vellore. It holds membership in a variety of fair trade organizations,
including the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Fair Trade Federation India
and South India Producers Association (SIPA). Poocharam Federation works with
7,500 rural poor women engaged in craft activities, farming and other income
generation. The artisans are organized into 360 Self Help Groups (SHGs). Each
SHG elects a leader who is responsible for communication with Poocharam
Federation. SHG leaders meet at least once per month. These groups are also now
helping to form youth self-help groups. Benefits for artisans include HIV
prevention training and other empowerment programs, loan programs, a uniform
and education fund, as well as government-sponsored life insurance. Poocharam
Federation also supports programs for primary school children and focusing on
environmental awareness.



Ten Thousand Villages purchases palm leaf products from Poocharam Federation.
Ten Thousand Villages started purchasing directly from Poocharam Federation in
2008, having previously purchased through SIPA.