Visually Challenged Women Artisans in Tiruchi Empowered through Nylon Wire Basket Weaving
A group of visually challenged women artisans in Tiruchi has turned basket weaving into a powerful tool of empowerment, creating nylon wire baskets that have gained recognition across the country. Operating from the Rehabilitation Centre for Blind Women (RCBW), these women are not just mastering the craft but also finding financial independence and confidence through their work.
One such artisan, 48-year-old Muthamilselvi, expertly knots strips of nylon wire into an archanai koodai (a basket used for temple offerings) with remarkable precision. “I have woven small stands inside the basket to make it self-balancing. Without the handle, it can be used to store items like onions and garlic,” explains Muthamilselvi. She, along with 15 other artisans, has created over 1,000 custom baskets this year for clients in major cities like Coimbatore, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
The group’s baskets have caught the attention of clients nationwide, with recent orders coming from as far as Haryana, where a customer requested 24 baskets, each with a unique color combination. Their work is shared with the world through social media and a simple landline service, showcasing their creations to a growing audience.
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Established in 1975 by noted ophthalmologist and philanthropist Dr. Joseph Gnanadhickam, RCBW has been training visually challenged women, ages 18 to 35, in various professional crafts, including basket weaving. The women are part of a larger movement that is seeing a resurgence in the demand for reusable products. The nylon wire baskets, durable and eco-friendly, are seen as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic packaging.
“These baskets are not only reusable, but they are also versatile, making them popular for carrying goods and as eco-friendly return gift options for weddings and festivals,” says Vimala Moses, daughter of Dr. Gnanadhickam and the current project director at RCBW. With prices starting from ₹125, the handmade baskets have become a trendy and practical gift option for many social events.
The artisans, despite their visual challenges, work with remarkable speed and precision, with many weaving a small to medium basket within just three days. They use simple knots to conserve time and material, ensuring efficient production. Each artisan develops her own system to maintain color consistency and quality in the design.
In addition to fulfilling orders for individual customers, the women also produce heavy-duty baskets for street vendors. “One of our baskets can hold two large water cans or packed clothes and can easily be transported on a two-wheeler,” says artisan Deiyvanai, proudly displaying one of the larger creations. These baskets are even used as carriers for roosters in cockfighting tournaments.
The women artisans are paid for their work, with the proceeds going to the RCBW while each individual receives a share depending on her production. The centre provides a free residential facility for the artisans, and their earnings are saved in personal bank accounts.
For women like Muthamilselvi, this craft has not only been a path to financial independence but also a source of personal pride. “When I visit my family, I continue weaving in my spare time and sell the baskets to local stores. I feel so proud when someone buys a koodai I have made,” she says with a smile.
RCBW’s initiative continues the legacy of Dr. Gnanadhickam, helping visually challenged women gain essential life skills while earning an income. As their baskets reach customers across the country, these women are proving that with the right opportunities, their abilities far outweigh their limitations.
