August 2026 Monthly Report
Empowering women artisans through market-linked production, skill development, sustainable livelihoods, institutional partnerships and community-based enterprise.
During August 2026, the WE Project Store continued to strengthen women-led livelihoods through skill development, festive product sales, customized institutional orders, artisan production, enterprise mentoring and market-linked opportunities. The month highlighted the growing capacity of women artisans to deliver quality handcrafted products for individual, institutional and ceremonial requirements.
August 2026; Faridabad
Skill Development: Crochet Training for Fresh Trainees
Crochet training was provided by Lavina to fresh trainees in Faridabad, supporting the development of practical handicraft skills and creating a foundation for future livelihood opportunities.
SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
05 August 2026; Vallikavu, Kollam
Festive Enterprise: Handcrafted Rakhis for Raksha Bandhan
Every year, through artisan Anisha from the Amrita SANKALP AVSAR Skill Training Programme, the WE STORE aka SnehaSudha produces handcrafted rakhis for Raksha Bandhan, celebrating the bond of love, trust and lifelong protection between siblings.
WE Store Designer Muskan Chhatwal created a dedicated catalogue to support the festive product promotion.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
August 2026; Amrita University, Vallikavu
Sales & Market Linkage: Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Sales
Handcrafted rakhis were sold at Amrita University on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. A total of 246 rakhis were sold, creating a direct market opportunity for women artisans.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
August 2026; Amritapuri
Institutional Partnership: WE STORE Sponsors CRPF Rakhi Celebrations
The WE STORE aka SnehaSudha was a proud sponsor of the CRPF Rakhi celebrations at Amritapuri Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, supplying rakhis and sweets for the occasion.
SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
01–28 August 2026; WE Project Store
Customized Order: 200 Crochet Sunflower Keychains for Wedding Gifts
An order was received on 1 August 2026 for 200 crochet sunflower keychains as wedding guest gifts. The order was executed by Bincy Chechi and Sreeshma Chechi.
All 200 handcrafted keychains were successfully delivered on 28 August 2026 for the wedding scheduled on 30 August 2026. The WE STORE team conducted a quality check of every piece before delivery to ensure consistency and product quality.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
11 August 2026; Nagercoil
Institutional Order: 50 Green & Maroon Tote Bags for Agentic AI Boot Camp
The WE Store aka SnehaSudha received an order from Sumitra of Create for the Agentic AI Boot Camp. 50 green and maroon tote bags were prepared and handed over for a workshop at Amrita University, Nagercoil.
The bags were intended as part of a kit for distinguished speakers. They were handcrafted by women from the Sivasakthi Tailoring Unit trained under Amrita’s flagship Sankalp Avsar Skill Training Programme.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
05 August 2026; Amaravati Campus
Artisan Enterprise: Two Mural Paintings for Graduation Ceremony 2026
An order was received from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amaravati Campus, for two mural paintings for the Graduation Ceremony 2026. The artworks were created by Sharmila Chechi and Anugrahi Chechi, artisans trained under the UNDP Skill Training Project (2012).
The completed mural paintings were presented as commemorative gifts to Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President of India, and Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education, IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Andhra Pradesh, during the convocation held on 5 August 2026.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
31 August 2026; WE Project Store
Enterprise Development: Mentoring for Business Restructuring & Online Shopping
The WE Project Store aka SnehaSudha is transitioning into a full-fledged business. In pursuit of this endeavour, the team was mentored by Aleix Carreras, a professor from Department d’Educació i Formació Professional, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, on restructuring processes, designing an online shopping portal and revamping the business structure.
SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
12–31 August 2026; Amrita Vidyalayam
Large Institutional Order: 2,000 Foldable Bags for Amrita Admissions Office
An order was received from the Amrita Admissions Office on 12 August 2026 for 2,000 foldable bags. The order was undertaken by the Amritam Amrita Sree SHG.
As per the first delivery schedule, 600 bags were delivered on 31 August 2026 and distributed to Amrita Vidyalayam teachers for Teachers’ Day. The remaining bags will be delivered in the coming days.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
August 2026 demonstrated the expanding capacity of the WE Project Store to connect women artisans with festive, institutional, ceremonial and customized markets.
From 200 handcrafted crochet sunflower keychains and 50 tote bags to 2,000 foldable bags and handcrafted murals, artisans were supported to undertake orders with defined quantities, timelines and quality requirements.
The Store’s transition towards a full-fledged business, supported by mentoring on restructuring and online shopping, represents an important step towards stronger market access and sustainable community-based enterprise.
The August 2026 activities of the WE Project Store contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals.
The August 2026 activities reflect the WE Project Store’s continued commitment to women’s empowerment, skill development, market access, sustainable livelihoods and the growth of community-based women-led enterprises.
