About | Bandhwari Women

About Us

Empowering Women, Celebrating Craftsmanship

The Bandhwari Women’s Project is a social impact venture committed to empowering the artisan women of Bandhwari, a village in northern India, by helping them achieve financial independence through sustainable livelihoods.

Originally launched as an initiative of the Incentive Foundation in India, the project began with a simple but powerful mission: to provide women with the skills and tools they need to support themselves and their families. Over time, it has grown into a vibrant cross-continental effort, now including a chapter in the United States — The Bandhwari Women's Project Inc. — to expand support, outreach, and impact.

At the heart of the Bandhwari Women's Project is sustainability and self-reliance. All of our products are handmade using recycled sari material, blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with eco-conscious values. These beautiful, upcycled creations not only represent the resourcefulness and artistry of the women who make them but also tell a larger story of resilience, creativity, and change.

By supporting this project, you’re not just purchasing a product — you’re investing in a woman’s future, helping build stronger communities, and contributing to a more sustainable world.

Join us in our journey to transform lives, one stitch at a time.

Meet Our Founders

Anup Nair

The Incentive Foundation was founded by Anup and Raji, a visionary couple united by a shared commitment to uplift the village of Bandhwari, India. Together, they launched the foundation with a deep belief in the power of education, opportunity, and community-led change.

Anup’s passion and dedication were instrumental in shaping the mission of the foundation and the Bandhwari Women’s Project. His legacy lives on in every woman empowered, every skill learned, and every product created. Though Anup passed away in 2024, his spirit continues to guide our work and inspire our mission.

Raji remains at the heart of the foundation’s ongoing efforts, leading with compassion, determination, and a profound belief in the strength of the women we serve.

The work we do is a tribute to Anup’s memory and a continuation of the vision he and Raji brought to life — a future where communities thrive through empowerment, sustainability, and dignity.