Circular Women Entrepreneurs

Turning Textile Waste into Sustainable Livelihoods

Soroptimist International Bangalore (SIB), in partnership with Hasiru Dala and SAFAL, launched Circular Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) to transform textile waste into dignified, income-generating livelihoods for women waste workers.

From landfill to livelihood — this is circular economy in action.

The Challenge

Urban India generates massive textile waste. At the same time, women waste segregators—who quietly sustain our waste ecosystems—remain economically vulnerable, working in informal, low-income conditions.

CWE bridges both gaps.

We enable women to convert discarded textiles into market-ready products, creating home-based micro-enterprises rooted in sustainability.

What We Did

✔ Distributed 12 sewing machines for home-based production✔ Sponsored a washing facility for textile preparation✔ Conducted hands-on stitching & design training✔ Provided quality enhancement and product development mentoring✔ Created market access through exhibitions and city-level sales

Funding support of €3,000 from SI Land Van Waas enabled asset creation and skill building.

Products Created

Upcycled textile waste was transformed into:

· Eco-friendly grocery bags

· Mobile phone pouches

· Handbags

· Key chains

Each product represents income, dignity, and environmental responsibility.

Measurable Impact

Economic Impact

· ₹7,830 generated from 174 mobile phone pouches (Sareethon Exhibition, Jayanagar)

· ₹1,280 from bags and accessories

· ₹4,500 from eco-friendly grocery bags at Lalbagh Flower Show

Women now earn independently through home-based production.

Environmental Impact

· Textile waste diverted from landfills

· Promotion of reuse and upcycling

· Strengthened local circular economy systems

Social Impact

· Increased confidence and financial agency

· Transition from informal labour to skilled enterprise

· Stronger Self-Help Group collaboration

A Replicable Model

CWE is not a one-time intervention.

It is a scalable model that integrates:

· Women’s economic empowerment

· Climate-conscious production

· Market-linked micro-enterprises

· International-local partnerships

This initiative aligns with SDGs 1, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 17.

CWE proves that when women are equipped with skills, assets, and access to markets, waste becomes wealth — and sustainability becomes livelihood.