A group of inventive housewives, who founded the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad in 1959, have created a thriving co-operative that currently boasts over 45,000 women members across India. The co-operative not only provides women with jobs and an income but also fosters a strong sense of community among its members. Initiated with the production of papad, a traditional Indian snack, Lijjat has since expanded its offerings while empowering women to achieve financial independence and self-respect.
Empowering Women Through Snacks: The Lijjat Story
Empowering Women Through Snacks: The Lijjat Story
Exploring the transformative impact of India's Lijjat Papad co-operative on women's livelihoods and independence.
In a vibrant Delhi neighborhood, a diverse group of women dressed in bright saris gathers outside a three-storey building that houses a unit of one of India's most well-established women's co-operatives. Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, founded in 1959 in Mumbai, originated from the efforts of seven housewives who aimed to create and sell papad, a beloved crispy Indian snack. Over the years, this co-operative has flourished, now boasting over 45,000 members and an annual turnover of 16 billion rupees (around $186 million). Their products are even exported to international markets, including the UK and the US.
Women like 70-year-old Lakshmi, who manages the Delhi centre, share how their lives have transformed through this organisation. Lakshmi joined Lijjat roughly 40 years ago after her husband's passing, having had limited educational opportunities. Lijjat has provided her not just with a stable income but also a leadership role where she supervises 150 women, enabling them to maintain a balance between work and home responsibilities.
Each day, members travel to Lijjat centres to collect premixed ingredients for their papad-making. The flexible work arrangement allows women to manage their household duties while contributing financially. Over time, women like Lakshmi have honed their skills, cutting down the time to produce one kilogram of papad from four hours to just thirty minutes.
The co-operative's journey mirrors India's socio-economic evolution in the 1950s, a time marked by efforts to uplift women workers in a predominantly patriarchal society. Founders such as Jaswantiben Jamnadas Poppat and her fellow housewives ventured into business, reliant on their culinary skills passed down through generations. They initially needed financial help to begin, forging a partnership with social worker Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, who became a pivotal ally in their quest.
The path toward success was not without challenges; early days saw the women struggling to find customers. But their perseverance persevered and agreements with local shopkeepers for payment after sales soon turned Lijjat's poppadoms into a sought-after item. Unlike traditional companies, the co-operative model emphasises shared ownership and collaborative decision-making, further entrenching the sense of sisterhood among members.
The co-operative’s identity took a creative leap in 1966 when it adopted the Lijjat brand name, with members suggesting the name's core meaning of "taste" in Gujarati. Today, Lijjat not only symbolizes financial independence for members but also represents respect and community solidarity.
Reflecting on her journey, Lakshmi reflects, "I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married. Working here, I have found not just an income but respect." The success of the Lijjat co-operative stands testament to the power of women’s entrepreneurship in India, paving the way for numerous others to find their paths to empowerment.
Women like 70-year-old Lakshmi, who manages the Delhi centre, share how their lives have transformed through this organisation. Lakshmi joined Lijjat roughly 40 years ago after her husband's passing, having had limited educational opportunities. Lijjat has provided her not just with a stable income but also a leadership role where she supervises 150 women, enabling them to maintain a balance between work and home responsibilities.
Each day, members travel to Lijjat centres to collect premixed ingredients for their papad-making. The flexible work arrangement allows women to manage their household duties while contributing financially. Over time, women like Lakshmi have honed their skills, cutting down the time to produce one kilogram of papad from four hours to just thirty minutes.
The co-operative's journey mirrors India's socio-economic evolution in the 1950s, a time marked by efforts to uplift women workers in a predominantly patriarchal society. Founders such as Jaswantiben Jamnadas Poppat and her fellow housewives ventured into business, reliant on their culinary skills passed down through generations. They initially needed financial help to begin, forging a partnership with social worker Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, who became a pivotal ally in their quest.
The path toward success was not without challenges; early days saw the women struggling to find customers. But their perseverance persevered and agreements with local shopkeepers for payment after sales soon turned Lijjat's poppadoms into a sought-after item. Unlike traditional companies, the co-operative model emphasises shared ownership and collaborative decision-making, further entrenching the sense of sisterhood among members.
The co-operative’s identity took a creative leap in 1966 when it adopted the Lijjat brand name, with members suggesting the name's core meaning of "taste" in Gujarati. Today, Lijjat not only symbolizes financial independence for members but also represents respect and community solidarity.
Reflecting on her journey, Lakshmi reflects, "I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married. Working here, I have found not just an income but respect." The success of the Lijjat co-operative stands testament to the power of women’s entrepreneurship in India, paving the way for numerous others to find their paths to empowerment.
