Hand Embroidered Sky Blue Cotton Blend Shawl from India, "Lucknow Bouquet in Blue"

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Revered since the time of the Mughal emperors, chikankari is a unique style of Indian embroidery with 32 variations. It demands great skill and patience. Uma learned this art from her mother and today she teaches chikankari embroidery to her helpers, who in turn often teach it to their daughters.

Uma has a workshop that provides full-time jobs for several women. She also works with women artisans in neighboring villages. They work from home, enabling them to care for their children and families.

Deeply committed to women's empowerment, Uma helps to provide for the education of her four nieces.