In the vast and diverse landscape of rural India, the untapped potential of women often remains obscured by limited opportunities and financial dependencies. Amidst these challenges, brands like Achaar Gali aim to use seemingly old and traditional techniques such as pickle-making to transform and empower the lives of these women. Achaar Gali, a homegrown homemade pickle brand based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, aims to act as a catalyst for women’s empowerment while preserving the traditional pickle-making recipes passed down by our ancestors.
Achaar Gali and the Women of Bhopal
The Shrivastava family started the brand Achaar Gali in Bishankhedi Bhopal. Achaar gali, since its inception is dedicated to empowering the women of Bishankhedi, bhopal by fostering their pickle making skills. This helps generate employment and empower these women to not only craft delicious pickles but also be economically independent. They are able to generate income with their skills and support their families.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Empowerment
We actively ingrain our commitment to empowering women in the very essence of our practices. This commitment unfolds through a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach:
Skill Development and Training
We acknowledge the importance of equipping women with the necessary skills to create the traditional taste of our pickles. This goes beyond mastering traditional recipes and extends to essential aspects such as
Hygiene and Food Safety
Women undergo thorough training to adhere to stringent hygiene protocols and food safety standards, ensuring the production of high-quality pickles that meet all regulatory requirements.
Quality Control Measures
Training includes instilling a deep understanding of quality control measures, empowering women to consistently produce delicious pickles that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
Building a Collaborative Community
While not operating through formal Self-Help Groups (SHGs) we help create a nurturing environment that fosters a sense of community and collaboration among the women. This environment enables them to:
Share Knowledge and Expertise
Women have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, exchange knowledge about traditional recipes, and collectively work together. This peer-to-peer learning fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
Gain Confidence and Network
As they collaborate and learn unique skills, women gain confidence in their abilities. They also build valuable connections within the community, expanding their social and professional networks
Fair Compensation and Market Access
Achaar Gali places a strong emphasis on recognizing the dignity of labor and ensures fair compensation for the hard work and expertise contributed by the women. This commitment to fair compensation directly contributes to their financial independence, giving them the power to take charge.
Preserving Traditions and Embracing Sustainability
Beyond economic empowerment, Achaar Gali plays a pivotal role in preserving India’s rich culinary heritage. This is achieved through:
Preserving Culinary Traditions:
Our focus on using traditional recipes ensures the passing down of age-old culinary practices to future generations. With this we aim to safeguard an integral part of India’s cultural identity.
Promoting Sustainable Practices:
Achaar Gali actively encourages the use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, embracing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact.
Health Focus
Achaar Gali, a brand born in a health-conscious family, places utmost focus on the quality of ingredients and their health impacts. Our pickles are made with 100% cold-pressed kacchi Ghani oil. We also offer a variety of “No-Oil” pickles, taking care of your health and well-being. Additionally, our pickles are made with less salt, ensuring you only consume what we ourselves in our family would.
The Power of Empowerment
Through our unwavering commitment to empowering rural women, we stand as a testament to the transformative power of such initiatives. By equipping women with essential skills, providing fair compensation, fostering a supportive community, and promoting sustainable practices, we pave the way for a future where women contribute to safeguarding pickle recipes that are slowly dying.
As we continue on our journey, we not only craft delicious pickles but also aim to be a catalyst for positive change, especially when coupled with a holistic and inclusive approach. Support our pickle making practices in Bhopal. Try our pickles today to taste the deliciousess!
