Ohrna is an organization based in India, launched with a dream of helping rural women earn a living making handmade products from organic and sustainable materials.
Our goal is to help save the planet while also giving some of its poorest people a source of income, livelihood and pride.
Our products are made out of jute – a biodegradable, recyclable natural fiber – and are designed using India’s rich, time-honored handicraft traditions.
Ohrna proudly introduces embroidered jute to wider markets and uses jute because it is a natural vegetable fiber.
We provide free training and raw materials that enable women to work from home. One of our core objectives is creating financial freedom and self-worth among home-based women. This lets them balance their family and home commitments without needing to leave their villages.
Every Ohrna product therefore provides a woman with not just income, but a sense of self-belief.
The meaning of Ohrna is ‘veil' in Bengali, a language of India's east. For a woman, an ohrna adorns her attire, provides her the grace and comfort she seeks and shields her from the harshness of the sun...
Ohrna is just over a year old. When profitable, we plan to turn over profits in benefit of makers and their families.
So every Ohrna product brings many people – and our earth – closer to a better tomorrow.
Founder: Jhumkee Iyengar: A people-centered product and experince designer, also a teacher, writer and presenter
Inspired by: Sharmila Sen, a fine arts graduate who worked tirelessly with this philosophy of financially empowering rural women for 24 years
Facilitator: Mann Deshi Foundation, an organization that promotes rural women entrepreneurship