Empowering Change: How a Snack Transformed Lives for Indian Women

The story of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad reveals how a humble snack has enabled women to achieve financial independence, breaking the chains of a conservative society while nurturing community spirit.

On a chilly December morning, a vibrant group of women draped in colorful saris gathered outside a bustling building in Delhi, symbolizing both resilience and hope. Within that building lies a remarkable social enterprise known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, one of India's oldest co-operatives, founded in 1959 in Mumbai by seven visionary housewives. These women sought to create a livelihood by making the traditional papad, a crispy snack integral to Indian cuisine.

Fast forward 65 years, and this co-operative has flourished, boasting over 45,000 women members and an impressive annual turnover of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million). Their products, which now include not only papad but also spices, detergents, and chapatis, are exported globally, reaching markets in the UK, the US, and beyond.

Lakshmi, a dedicated member and manager at the Delhi center, reflects on the transformative power of Lijjat. After losing her husband nearly four decades ago, Lakshmi faced the challenge of supporting her children with limited education and opportunities. Joining the Lijjat co-operative not only provided her with a source of income but also a profound sense of purpose. Today, she oversees the work of 150 women, illustrating the profound impact of this initiative on women's livelihoods.

Each day, women commute via a bus organized by Lijjat to collect pre-mixed dough crafted from lentils and spices. They then return home to create papads, balancing domestic responsibilities and work. What once took Lakshmi four to five hours to produce now takes just thirty minutes, a testament to the skill and efficiency gained over the years.

Founded in a post-independence India grappling with gender biases and economic challenges, the initial group of Lijjat women, including notable names like Jaswantiben Jamnadas Poppat and Jayaben V Vithalani, faced significant hurdles. They started their journey with the simple idea of utilizing their cooking skills to earn money while caring for their families. Their collaboration even involved securing a modest loan from a supportive social worker, which laid the foundation of what would become an empowering movement.

As the venture grew, so did its membership. Women joined not merely as employees but as co-owners with a voice in decision-making processes. This cooperative model fostered camaraderie, with members respectfully referring to one another as "ben" (sister). Swati Paradkar, the current president, emphasizes that their structure is not about hierarchy but equality and shared responsibility.

Interestingly, Lijjat operated without a brand name for decades before adopting “Lijjat” following a suggestion from within the group, which means "taste" in Gujarati. This branding further solidified their products' popularity and helped elevate the co-operative's status in the market.

Through the years, Lijjat not only provided financial independence to generations of women but also restored their dignity and respect within their families and communities. For many like Lakshmi, the co-operative has enabled them to invest in their children's education, build homes, and navigate life with newfound respect and agency.

Today, the story of Lijjat is one of empowerment, community, and a testament to the strength of women banding together to change their destinies.