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Gauri Malik: a Journey of Empowering Women

2024/02/27 15:18 pm


Gauri Malik has always believed that she wanted to be an agent for changes across the globe. Her determination and drive made her a self-confident woman from an early age. She believed in pushing the limits of what was thought to be normal and what Indian women should do in their lives.

 

The most well-known founder of Sirohi - an exclusive Indian Handicraft Brand of Home décor and Lifestyle. Gauri was initially an investment banker before becoming a social entrepreneur.

Through combining her passion for women's rights with her ability to run a business and be an entrepreneur. She has created an eco-friendly company that can help bring Indian artisans into the world of entrepreneurship.  

It was during her time at Warwick Business School while doing the MSc in Finance & Economics, that her eyes were opened to the opportunity that her ideas could be realized. A postgraduate student, Gauri was in Peru working with a non-profit microfinance institution that assists single mothers in looking to start their businesses. This incredible experience in which she met people with diverse backgrounds and cultures, opened her eyes to possibilities. It also allowed Gauri to see opportunities beyond the conventional career paths in banking and finance.

When Gauri had initially planned to take on a banking career in the field of analysis with Deutsche Bank in Mumbai, her desire to use her skills to make a difference in the lives of people within her community was too compelling.

She chose to stop working to use her skills in commercial and financial management to aid others. She created her foundation that would help others and then launched the first of her initiatives that would help improve the lives of those living near their home.

Gauri established the foundation Skilled Samaritans when she was 23. She started her first mission near the house she built in New Delhi. There was no awareness of young women in the development field particularly one who quit the world-renowned bank career.

Alongside other non-profit organizations and in the form of volunteers, this project aids in the construction of solar panels in rural areas paying astronomical amounts of electricity and suffering serious power problems. The project helped power 3 villages at the beginning, as well as 10 schools, and improved the lives of 25,000 residents. One villager stated, "Our village is now a shining light in a dark sky".

While the design was a solid concept, it wasn't adaptable, and Gauri was forced back her drawing pen in pencil. Then I realized I was required to work with larger companies to make a bigger impact" Gauri explained.

In these villages, she encountered women. Many of them weren't married at the time they got married and had no possibility of a secure future. "We'd talk about their dreams desires, wishes, hopes, and fears. When they were young and marginalized, they appeared to be unable to choose in life, yet they were also incredibly creative. "

Gauri was inspired to act to allow women to lead an independent, more fulfilled life, and build a successful business in the process. "So many debate issues but don't take action on these issues. I'm an advocate of getting involved and stepping to the occasion to be a part of the solution. "

In 2019 Gauri renewed her foundation that focuses on helping Indian women to become financially self-sufficient. Sirohi was created by an artist-owned company to be just as trendy and robust as IKEA.

These days many women around the globe are making hand-crafted products made of sustainable materials, like plastic ropes made from Jute from packaging, the scraps of packaging, and other textile waste. The model she's developed is simple and easy to distribute. It aids in building communities and is also an accountability model.

Gauri's women she collaborates with aren't educated, however they are skilled artisans. Gauri helps them to work with designers from around the world and makes the most of traditional weave techniques. "It gives them opportunities where before, there were none," Gauri declares. "They become their bosses. "

As a response to changing times post-pandemic, the company has expanded its online presence and has partnered with local retailers.

Gauri is more interested in improving the world and establishing an international market that is devoted to Indian artisans and craftsmen. "I want the craft of India to be on the global map," Gauri declares. "I was always aware I would be an entrepreneur person. My dream was always to create an all-women's club close to me as well as in my country of birth.

 

We are excited to announce that the nominations for the esteemed Advaita Awards, organized by SMBConnect, are now open!
The Advaita Awards are not just any ordinary awards... they are a national movement that recognizes the most incredible, jaw-dropping achievements of women in business!

๐’๐ฎ๐›๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ž๐ซ๐ž - https://advaita.smbconnect.in/Nomination.php

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