Empowering women in Goa one stitch at a time

The Mango House Trust is making a positive impact on lives while celebrating the richness of handmade artistry
STITCHED WITH LOVE: The Mango House Trust promotes handmade crafts while enriching lives.
STITCHED WITH LOVE: The Mango House Trust promotes handmade crafts while enriching lives. Photo: The Mango House Trust
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Small acts have ripple effects. A generous thought like planting a mango tree — under whose shade the elderly rest, in whose embrace kids play and whose fruits sustain everyone — often transcends oneself, impacting the community at large.

A similar intent, coupled with empathy led to the creation of The Mango House, a design-led not-for-profit organisation.

As a pioneer craft-led initiative, The Mango House Trust was inspired by the vision to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the marginalised, especially women artisans. 

STITCHED WITH LOVE: The Mango House Trust promotes handmade crafts while enriching lives.
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“The journey began with a commitment to revive traditional craft skills, and give back to Goa — where I have lived for the last decade — providing a pathway for women to earn a dignified income, while preserving the cultural heritage of handmade crafts,” says Rupinder ‘Renee’ Kaur, founder of The Mango House Trust.

The name ‘The Mango House Trust’ was, in fact, inspired by the spirit of abundance, growth, and nurturing, much like a mango tree.

“It symbolises our commitment to creating a space where women can grow, thrive and share their talents with the world,” mentions Kaur.

FOUNDER IN ACTION: Rupinder Kaur at one of the organisation's workshops.
FOUNDER IN ACTION: Rupinder Kaur at one of the organisation's workshops.Photo: The Mango House Trust

With an approach that puts the emphasis on upskilling and innovative zero-waste craft techniques, the organisation focuses on creating beautifully designed, high-quality, sustainable products.

“We basically operate by offering craft training, upskilling workshops, and ongoing support for women artisans. We work closely with each artisan to refine their skills, especially in crochet — a craft that is zero waste and has a deep cultural connection through generations,” Kaur shares.

EMPOWERING THREADS: The Mango House Trust Learning Centre is based in Old Goa, close to low income communities which are in need of support.
EMPOWERING THREADS: The Mango House Trust Learning Centre is based in Old Goa, close to low income communities which are in need of support.Photo: The Mango House Trust

"My process involves thoughtfully curating the products that are functional and durable, with the goal of reducing consumerism in today's fast-paced fashion world," says Ruchi Bhakoo, the Design Head at The Mango House.

Today, with training programs designed to upskill women, The Mango House Trust has created a supportive community, where artisans, who previously had limited economic opportunities, are now able to express their creativity, and build a sense of pride and confidence in their work.

“One of the best moments was seeing the transformation in our artisans. Like Aisha, who transformed her crocheting hobby into a reliable source of income and gained newfound confidence and pride through her work at The Mango House Trust,” smiles Kaur.

POWER OF DESIGN: Intricate pieces and home décor items are available at their online store.
POWER OF DESIGN: Intricate pieces and home décor items are available at their online store. Photo: The Mango House Trust

The public can make a difference by purchasing these treasures, which includes home décor items, accessories and gifting pieces at their web shop (shop.themangohouse.org) or at stores such as The Museum of Goa Shop in Pilerne, Josmo Studio in Porvorim, and Ethico India Conscious Home Store in Siolim.

Kaur also invites anyone who supports slow fashion and community-driven initiatives to join in making a bigger impact.

“We welcome support in various forms, such as fund raising, contributions from textile artists, visual communicators, design volunteers, or donations to support artisan training. Additionally, we are also open to partnering with corporates to be a part of their CSR programs,” she adds.

STITCHED WITH LOVE: The Mango House Trust promotes handmade crafts while enriching lives.
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Creating pieces that reflect their creativity and the rich cultural heritage of Goa, the women artisans at The Mango House Trust are, today, able to contribute to their families financially. And, more importantly, it has enabled them to achieve a sense of self-worth and independence.

Shop or get in touch with The Mango House Trust at:

SHOP ONLINE: shop.themangohouse.org

CONTACT: +91 99100 90095 (Rupinder ‘Renee’ Kaur)

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