Phool-patti artisans from Aligarh

Several thousands of women in different parts of Aligarh, both rural and urban, are involved in phool-patti embroidery. They mostly belong to the poorest and backward communities. My interviews indicate that many of the phool-patti artisans are illiterate or have received only a minimal level of schooling. This is not surprising considering that the overall literacy rate for women in India is around 54%. Further the low literacy rate among Muslims is well documented in many research studies. The data also shows that the mean years of schooling is the lowest for Muslims among all communities in India, and even lower for rural Muslim women. However, there is increasing awareness on the importance of girls education among the artisans. To my question of continuing to transfer phool-patti skills to their daughters, the women clearly respond that they would want their next generation to have better  opportunities for substantive education and employment-  phool-patti work is equated  with a low status and income-and their hope is for something much better for their daughters.

Examples of organization of women workers in handicrafts and other sectors in different parts of India  are suggested to be explored for possible adaptation for phool-patti artisans in Aligarh. Formation of cooperatives would perhaps facilitate standardized remuneration for the embroidery as well as increase access to social security arrangements, such as health insurance schemes and others. The Centre for Continuing Adult Education at AMU, which is already working on skill building with the artisans, or any other non-profit development agency may like to consider support in this critical area.