Wayanad Women’s Inspiring Comeback: Bailey Umbrellas and Bags Project
In the serene hills of Wayanad, Kerala, 46 women have managed to rebuild their lives after devastating landslides struck a year ago. Their journey, honestly, is nothing short of inspiring—marked by grit, teamwork, and a stubborn sense of hope.
They kicked off the ‘Bailey Umbrella and Bags Project’, a venture that’s helped them stitch together a new chapter, one umbrella and bag at a time. The district administration and Kudumbashree—a well-known women empowerment program—joined hands to launch this initiative.
The project takes its name from the Bailey bridge built by the Indian Army at Chooralmala. That bridge became a symbol of hope and new beginnings in the aftermath of disaster.
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The Birth of the Bailey Project
The ‘Bailey Umbrella and Bags Project’ sprang up as a direct response to the landslides in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The district administration and Kudumbashree wanted to help women who’d lost almost everything carve out a sustainable livelihood.
But this wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill scheme. For these women, it became a beacon—a way to reclaim their independence and sense of self-worth.
Initial Steps and Training
The Indian Army stepped in first, providing materials for the initial batch of umbrellas. Kudumbashree and the district administration ran hands-on training sessions, where the women learned how to craft umbrellas and bags from scratch.
When they finished their first batch—390 umbrellas—they couldn’t help but feel proud. Their handiwork soon appeared in Kudumbashree stalls and Tribal Department outlets, catching curious eyes.
Expanding Horizons
The project didn’t stay small for long. Soon, the Bailey bag production line started buzzing, and what began as a tiny effort quickly became a full-fledged operation with orders pouring in.
The Bailey brand began to get noticed, and the women found not just income, but genuine pride and purpose in their work.
Orders and Recognition
Organizations started lining up for Bailey bags. Orders included:
- 277 bags from Kudumbashree
- 50 from the Suchitwa Mission
- 370 from NABARD
- 50 from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation
- 100 from State Bank of India
- 1,000 from Ananterra Resort
- 100 from the Department of Commerce
Each order felt like a little victory, nudging the women forward.
A Permanent Presence
Now, there’s a permanent Bailey counter at Kalpetta’s civil station. It’s a small but proud spot, offering handcrafted umbrellas and bags to anyone who stops by.
You’ll find Bailey products in local markets, and there are even plans to take them online. The buzz is growing, and honestly, it’s well-deserved.
Impact on the Community
The project’s impact goes deeper than just earning a living. It’s given these women a sense of belonging and shared strength that’s hard to describe.
The hum of sewing machines now means hope—a fresh start, a new sense of direction, and maybe even a little joy.
Ministerial Support and Future Plans
Government officials have noticed, too. Minister for Local Self Government MB Rajesh has spoken about how proud he is of the project, calling it a model for revival.
He pointed out that the name ‘Bailey’ stands for the survival and resilience of Mundakkai—a fitting tribute, if you ask me.
Looking Ahead
They’re planning to bring Bailey’s handcrafted products beyond Wayanad. Wider markets and online platforms might soon see these unique items pop up.
This move could open up more opportunities for the women behind the project. It might also help share their story of resilience with folks who’d never have heard it otherwise.
If you’re curious about this initiative, check out the India Today article.