Mumbai's Aftertaste Foundation Empowers Women Through Art

Mumbai resident Shalini Datta founded the not-for-profit Aftertaste Foundation to empower women from underserved communities through art and craft.

Datta, a former technologist, moved to Mumbai from Kolkata to make a difference in society. She spent the first 10 years of her career in the development sector before starting Aftertaste.

The organisation uses art and craft as a tool for empowerment, enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods. By combining skill development, ownership, and financial literacy, Aftertaste helps women achieve financial independence and break the cycle of poverty.

Most of the beneficiaries are homemakers and mothers from underserved communities, with a significant number being single mothers. The organisation designed a community-based model that recognises the realities of these women's lives, taking into account their household responsibilities and young children.

The women are trained in various art and craft techniques to create handcrafted products, including journals, notebooks, and decorative items. Today, they produce over 100 handcrafted products, which are sold through exhibitions and corporate orders.

Exhibitions remain a key source of revenue for the women, with the organisation participating in around 75 to 80 exhibitions every year. Corporate orders also contribute significantly to the organisation's income, with women creating customised gifts and merchandise for companies.

Chandrika Parmar, Director at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, praised Aftertaste's powerful vision of empowering women and families in vulnerable communities. She noted that the organisation's approach goes beyond livelihood generation, building skills, nurturing confidence, and bringing joy.

Aftertaste Foundation's work has made a significant impact on the lives of women in Mumbai, providing them with a sense of purpose and financial independence. The organisation's commitment to empowering women and breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty is a testament to the power of art and craft in creating positive change.

The foundation's success story is an inspiration to many, showing that with determination and hard work, it is possible to make a difference in the lives of others. As Aftertaste continues to grow and expand its reach, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the community, empowering more women and creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In conclusion, the Aftertaste Foundation is a shining example of how art and craft can be used to empower women and create sustainable livelihoods. The organisation's work is a testament to the power of community-based initiatives and the importance of supporting women in need.

As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, it is essential to recognize the importance of organisations like Aftertaste Foundation, which are working tirelessly to create positive change in the community. By supporting such initiatives, we can help empower more women and create a brighter future for ourselves and our city.