Women from SAARC nations bring their goods to India

Handmade jewellery, marble print jute cushion covers, fresh strawberry jams, condiments and exquisite zardosi work -- women from SAARC nations showcased their enterprises and bonded over shared traditions and cultures at a recent event here.
Organised by the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC) a two day exhibition 'SCWEC Market Place Exhibition' organised here at FICCI lawns saw participation of women artisans and entrepreneurs from SAARC nations - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Rabi Muradi from Afghanistan, who employs about 3000 women from various villages in Afghanistan brought to the exhibit silk stoles and silver jewellery from the region.

"We train women how to culture silk from the silk worm and weave them into various products like silk stoles, jackets and others. These women also make silver jewelry like earrings, bangles, bracelets and neck pieces," says Muradi.
The entrepreneur was awarded by the Flo-SCWEC for her contribution for upliftment of rural women.
Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs brought with them jams and squashes made of fresh strawberry, oranges and other fruits prepared without adding sugar or any kind of preservatives.

"These products are 100 per cent fresh and organics. No preservatives and artificial sugar has been used. We also brought to the exhibition some of our condiments and incense sticks. These are not for sale but we are open to taking bulk orders," says Damchae Dem, Vice-Chair, SCWEC, Bhutan.

Tauhida Haider from Bangladesh says her first love brought her to the exhibition. Awarded for her contribution to the business community, Haider's own designer fashion house exports products to the US and other European countries.
"I bought unique products to the fair like handmade jute cushion cover with marble prints which are hot sellers abroad. Handmade diaries, photo albums, kantha-stitch bedcovers, T-shirts for the exhibition here," says Haider.
A legend in the Pakistani Fashion industry and one of the most popular and sought after designer in international market, Faiza Samee displayed her beautiful collection at the exhibition with the women crowding her stall.

Samee says she had designed the wedding outfit of late Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, which is currently on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
"The collection which I have got for the exhibition is mostly salwar kameez and jackets. Mostly the material which I am displaying here is lawn. My each and every piece is handmade and not single embroidery has been done in machine," says Samee.