International Women's Day 2025: Kutch Artist Transforms Traditional Embroidery Into Art, Empowers 90 Village Women

Kutch/Gujarat- Dharmilaben Ahir from Kotai village in Gujarat's Kutch district has revolutionized the traditional Ahir embroidery art form, turning it into a thriving enterprise that now employs 90 women from her community. Her remarkable journey from a child learning a traditional craft to an internationally recognized artist exemplifies women's empowerment in rural India.

Dharmilaben began learning the intricate Ahir embroidery at just five years old from her grandmother and maternal grandmother. "Ahir embroidery is traditional. In our community, girls learn this work from childhood, initially on their clothes and then on designs for their homes, like making torans," she explained to IANS.

Her transformative moment came when a visiting painter refused to teach her new techniques. "A painter came to our village and I asked him to teach me this work, but he refused. This thing hurt me a lot and I decided that I would make my work like a painting and I did the same," Dharmilaben recalled. This rejection became the catalyst for her innovative approach—reimagining traditional embroidery as painting-like artwork.

Despite having formal education only until seventh grade, Dharmilaben's artistic vision and determination have earned her international recognition. Her pieces, which initially sold for Rs 10,000-15,000, now command Rs 50,000-60,000, with many works finding homes in Kutch and as far as London.

One of her most notable achievements was an embroidered depiction of the Great Indian Bustard, an endangered bird native to Kutch. This masterpiece, which took her 4-6 months to complete, earned her a prize of Rs 2.5 lakh and further established her reputation as an innovative artist preserving local ecology through traditional craftsmanship.

Beyond her personal success, Dharmilaben's enterprise has created economic opportunities for approximately 90 women from her village and surrounding areas. These women now earn Rs 10,000-15,000 monthly through their embroidery work, bringing financial independence to their families and communities.

Her contributions to art and women's economic empowerment haven't gone unnoticed—Dharmilaben was selected for a national award, recognizing her role in preserving cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods.

Through her dedication and innovative approach, Dharmilaben Ahir has not only elevated a traditional craft to fine art but has also become a powerful example of how women in rural India can overcome obstacles, preserve cultural traditions, and create economic opportunity for themselves and their communities.