Meet our Weavers

Here are some of our talented artisans bringing Chizami Weaves creations to life:

Khwepelou Naro, Chizami Village

“Weaving is an essential skill for women, where we can earn our livelihood and be independent by producing clothes and attires for ourselves and our family.”

“My journey of weaving began as a young girl, learning under the guidance of my elders. While I already knew backstrap weaving, my early days with Chizami Weaves introduced me to new skills - creating standard size products, experimenting with contemporary designs, and working with new color combinations, etc. Today, I have greatly refined my skill and become known for producing first samples and designing innovative patterns. My weaving skills have become faster and more versatile.”

Before working with Chizami Weaves, I earned income through weaving only occasionally,mostly making traditional attires. Now through my work I earn a steady income that has helped me raise and educate my four children alongside my husband, who is a carpenter. Exposure trips with Chizami Weaves to other states in India introduced me to diverse lifestyles, farming systems, weaving styles, and looms. One of my most cherished learnings was the technique of two-weft weaving using dual colours. This journey has not only honed my weaving abilities but also equipped me with so much more: sustainable earning opportunities, leadership skills, time management, sanitation, etc.

I am grateful to NEN- Chizami weaves for their dedication and vision towards community upliftment and development esp. weaving community.”

Khwepelou Naro is a 55-year-old master weaver and mentor. She was one of the first seven weavers to join the Chizami Weaves, and since then, she has not only preserved age-old traditional hand-spinning and weaving techniques but has also empowered countless others. She has trained and mentored many fellow weavers, both personally and through formal training conducted by Chizami Weaves.

Tsutshoweu Kenye, Zapami Village

“Even though I knew the basics of weaving before joining Chizami Weaves, I wasn’t actively practicing it. At the time, I was running a small business, selling various items in my hometown. It was a friend of mine who was already earning an income through weaving introduced me to Chizami Weaves. Her story inspired me, and that’s when I began my own journey with weaving.

In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. The designs were quite challenging and I struggled to keep up. But with time and persistence, my skills improved. I learned to create new designs, and the quality and finish of my work became much better. The income I earned through weaving transformed my life as it allowed me to support my sibling’s education and take care of my family’s needs.

In 2023, I took on the role of Field Mobilizer for Chizami Weaves in my village. This experience has been truly empowering. It helped me gain confidence and develop essential skills like communication and leadership. I’ve grown from being an introvert into someone who can speak up and lead. Attending various workshops organized by Chizami Weaves on leadership, women’s empowerment, health and hygiene, design and development, and more, has helped me grow both personally and professionally. These sessions broadened my understanding, strengthened my confidence, and contributed to my overall development.

Since joining Chizami Weaves, I have also become more aware of women’s rights and the importance of empowerment. When I weave, I find peace, as it helps me forget the struggles and challenges of life. This platform has shaped me into the person I am today.

People often talk about the benefits of having a regular government job. But for me, weaving with Chizami Weaves feels just as secure and fulfilling. There’s no credit system and I am paid fairly for my work, and I feel happy and content.

I am deeply grateful to Chizami Weaves for encouraging me, believing in me, and treating me as a valued member of the team.”

Tsutshoweu Kenye is a 32 years old weaver from Zapami Village, who has been involved with Chizami Weaves since 2018 and currently a Field Mobilizer with Chizami Weaves.

Tavehulu Tsutso, Lower Khomi Village

“I live with my mother, and it was under her guidance that my weaving journey began when I was just 11 or 12 years old. I’ve been weaving with Chizami Weaves for over 10 years now, and in 2023, I stepped into a new role as Field Mobilizer for my village through the Chizami Weaves Nenterprise initiative.

Thanks to my earnings from weaving, I am able to care for my brothers’ children, support my elderly mother, and manage our household expenses. This work has brought financial stability to my family and has given me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of my community.

Working closely with the weavers in my village, especially young women has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. Watching them grow in skill, gain confidence, and find success fills me with pride. Their gratitude and appreciation inspire me every single day.

In addition to supporting young women, I also work with elderly women in our village, encouraging them to take up cotton hand-spinning. Many of them are no longer able to work in the fields, and this has given them a new source of income and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s been heartwarming to witness the unity and support that has blossomed among our weavers.

Being part of this journey brings me immense happiness. The solidarity and progress among the women in our community give me hope for the future. I look forward to continuing in my role in uplifting, supporting, and empowering the women around me.”

Tavehulu Tsutso is a 44 year weaver from Lower Khomi Village who has been involved with Chizami Weaves since 2018 and currently a Field Mobilizer with Chizami Weaves.

Khrolou Ngatsi, Enhulumi Village

“I am proud to be a weaver. Through this craft, I have earned respect, not just within my family, but also in my community. Everything I have achieved in my life, from providing for my children to growing in confidence, I owe to Chizami Weaves.

Growing up in a financially challenged environment, life was filled with struggles. As a young girl, opportunities were scarce, and earning wages by working in other people’s fields wasn’t an option for me. Weaving once felt like a distant dream. Although I had worked alongside people involved in weaving, I didn’t know how to sustain myself through it. I lacked both creativity and confidence.

When I joined Chizami Weaves, I started with very little knowledge. But over the years, the organization has completely transformed my life. I learned new designs, and gradually, I began to create my own. Through weaving, I’ve been able to support myself and raise my children, from their early schooling upto their graduation.

As a single mother, the income I earn through weaving has been a lifeline. It has allowed me to run my household and invest in my children’s future. Chizami Weaves has not only given me financial stability but has also helped me grow as a person. I’ve developed leadership skills, gained exposure, and even led product and design development training to guide others like me.

One thing I deeply appreciate is the timely payment by Chizami Weaves. We receive our wages on the same day we deliver our woven fabric. This system motivates me to continue working with dedication and pride.

The journey with Chizami Weaves has been transformative, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and empowerment it has brought into my life.”

Khrolou Ngatsi is a 45-year-old weaver from Enhulumi Village who has been weaving with Chizami Weaves for the past 14 years and currently serves as a Master Weaver.