About us – Connexions

ConneXions Kolkata is a small business with a big heart. We are part of a much larger NGO caEmmanuel Ministries Calcutta. EMC is a movement of people who believe that each individual has intrinsic value and deserve respect and dignity. They have many different projects around the city and we are proud to be one of them.

Studies show that women tend to invest most of their incomes (90%) back into the well-being of their families. Investing in women and girls results in long-term social and economic benefits for everyone.

Women in the local slum communities have minimal options. Poverty has marginalised them from wider society and robbed many of educational opportunities. Marriage at a young age and a life of poverty is all many see in their future.

Women in this strongly patriarchal community, are generally not allowed to work outside of the home. Their husbands are generally low skilled casual workers. Families face many social issues which impact upon their ability to thrive and change the prospects for the next generation. But things can change…

Our History

2002

A team of 6 women (featured in the above photo) from the local slum community (lead by Markus and Katharina from Switzerland) began handmade card and paper bag production. Jaya Mondal (second from the left) a young woman from the Mollahati slum with great potential also begins work.

2004

ConneXions becomes its own independent business unit and moves production to a locally rented premises.

2006

ConneXions is strengthened by becoming a part of Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta (EMC). Bapi Bag from EMC takes on co-leadership of the business with Jaya Mondal.

Kantha Sari blankets become a new product line -Connexions has grown with 40 to 60 women sewing sari blankets and making cards & paper bags. There are now 3 office staff – Bapi, Jaya & a tailor master. The first children’s club is started with 24 children in attendance.

2007

The current building is purchased (directly opposite the Mollahati community). This allows for further expansion.

Sari bag production starts. There is now 4 support staff running the business. At the end of 2007, Markus and Katharina return to Switzerland but stay connected encouraging the Indian based leadership team.

2012

ConneXions breaks 50 Lakh turnover and begins to significantly start to co-finance EMC projects among the urban poor.

2016

The school uniform tailoring initiative is started – the first batch of women receive training. In partnership with EMC, a micro-credit programme is started. 5 women borrow ₹10,000 each to purchase a sewing machine and offer alteration services and dressmaking to the wider community.

2017

There are currently 65 – 80 women involved in Sari blanket production, 13 women making cards and 13 focused on Sari bag production. The children’s club continues – with regular weekly meetings and 65 children involved.

Fairly made

“Nobody wants to buy something that was made by exploiting others”
Jerry Greenfield (co-founder Fair Trade)

ConneXions – Kolkata exists for the empowerment of women. We care deeply about all the people who work with us. We choose to pay fair piece rates for blankets and cards that are produced by women working from their homes. We base this on the time it takes an average (speed) producer to make each item. We adhere to government regulations regarding minimum wages and where ever possible we pay more. Our bags producers are now being paid a monthly wage, including holiday pay.

For those working on site, we have light airy work rooms, lunch and two tea breaks each day. We aim to be a supportive workplace that is understanding of the many challenges that our staff have to live with. An example of this is the need to allow some of our on-site bag producers an extra water collection break. They have no running water in their homes and the community water pump operates only at set times each day. The women need to gather and store water for cooking, washing and bathing each day. Our work hours are 10.00am – 5.30pm each day.

For those working at home, we enjoy meeting with them each time they come to drop off their completed product and gather new materials. It is a chance to check in with them and give them encouragement and support. Careful records are kept at ConneXions and each woman also has a book to record the number of blankets or cards they have completed. Both books are signed to make sure they match and payment is totalled and paid each month.

We also love to gather everyone together for monthly meetings (this is voluntary) as well as fun outings and a Christmas programme each year.

WORDS ABOUT US