How a home-made snack empowered Indian women

In the bustling city of Mumbai, India, a remarkable story of empowerment and entrepreneurship began in 1959. A group of seven housewives, seeking to support their families, founded a co-operative called Shri Mahila Griha Udyog, which is best known for producing the beloved snack, Lijjat Papad. This crispy, savory treat has become a staple in Indian cuisine, and the co-operative has grown tremendously over the years. Today, it boasts over 45,000 women members across the country, generating an impressive annual revenue of 16 billion rupees, equivalent to approximately 186 million dollars. The success of Lijjat Papad is not just about the numbers; it represents a significant shift in the lives of countless women who have found financial independence and a sense of community through their work. One of the key figures in this inspiring story is Lakshmi, a 70-year-old woman who has been with the co-operative for nearly four decades. After the death of her husband, Lakshmi was determined to find a way to support her family. She recalls, 'I hadn't finished my studies and didn't know what else to do. That's when my neighbor told me about Lijjat. ' Joining the co-operative transformed her life, allowing her to earn a living while managing her household responsibilities. Today, she oversees 150 women at the Delhi centre, demonstrating the leadership and empowerment that the co-operative fosters among its members. The daily routine for the women in the co-operative is both structured and flexible. Each morning, they board a bus provided by Lijjat to travel to the nearest centre, where they collect pre-mixed dough made from lentils and spices. This dough is then taken home, where the women roll it into thin, round shapes to create papad. Lakshmi shares her experience, saying, 'I used to go home with this dough and do all my housework, feed my children, and sit with my chakla and a belan in the afternoon to make small round thin papads. ' Over time, she has honed her skills, reducing the time it takes to produce one kilogram of dried lentil papad from four to five hours down to just half an hour. This efficiency is a testament to the dedication and expertise that the women have developed through their work. The co-operative's success can be attributed to its unique structure and the strong sense of community among its members. Unlike traditional businesses, the women are not merely employees; they are co-owners who have a voice in decision-making processes. They refer to each other as 'ben,' meaning sister in Gujarati, which fosters a supportive environment. Swati Paradkar, the current president of the co-operative, emphasizes this point, stating, 'We are like a co-operative and not a company. Even though I am the president, I am not the owner. We are all co-owners and have equal rights. We all share profits and even losses. I think that's the secret of our success. ' The journey of Lijjat Papad has not been without its challenges. In the early days, the women struggled to find buyers for their product. They sought assistance from Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, a social worker who provided them with a small loan to get started. However, when they first attempted to sell their papad, they faced rejection. Parekh stepped in again, offering them another loan with the condition that they would repay him more than they borrowed. With his help, the women were able to find shopkeepers willing to sell their papad, and gradually, their product gained popularity. The co-operative's growth has allowed generations of women to achieve financial independence and improve their lives. Lakshmi proudly states, 'Today I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married. ' This sentiment is echoed by many women in the co-operative, who have found not only a source of income but also respect and dignity through their work. The Lijjat brand has become synonymous with quality and taste, and its success story continues to inspire women across India. The co-operative has evolved over the years, and in 1966, they were encouraged to create a brand name for their product. After receiving numerous suggestions, one of the women proposed the name 'Lajjat,' which means taste in Gujarati. They decided to modify it slightly to 'Lijjat,' and this name has become a household name in India. The story of Lijjat Papad is a powerful example of how women can come together to create change and empower one another. It highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity. As the co-operative continues to thrive, it serves as a beacon of hope for women everywhere, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.