SilaiWali is a Hindustani word for a seamstress
Silai, verb, means stitching.
Wali, noun, is a suffix for the feminine gender.
SilaiWali is a social enterprise in New Delhi, India, that upcycles waste fabric generated from apparel scraps to create handcrafted decorations by Afghan women refugees in India. Our products are eco-friendly and support sustainable incomes that help build communities of marginalised artisans in observance of Fair Trade principles.
SilaiWali is an official partner in MADE51.
MADE51 is a collaborative initiative and global brand of refugee made products, brought to life by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Through MADE51, social enterprises around the world work with refugee artisan groups to make ethical, handcrafted products.
Certifications
The Structure
Co-founders
Silaiwali is owned by the wife-husband team of Iris Strill & Bishwadeep Moitra
Iris Strill is a French national living in India for over 2 decades. She is the creative head, skilling guide and the leader of the enterprise. Strill’s vast experience in working with artisans in India and her connectedness with the international fashion industry has guided the enterprise in making its place in the high-end gifting market segment.
Bishwadeep Moitra, the business and communication head, is a co-founder of Silaiwali. He leads in forging partnerships, collaborations, and scaling up the social enterprise’s operations. With 25 years of experience as a visual journalist, Moitra was one of the founding members of Outlook, the premier weekly news magazine in Asia.
Artisan Team
The aritsan team at SialiWali is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and talent of Afgan women refugees in New Delhi. Working together, they infuse each product with a rich tapestry of cultural heritage art of stitching, emboridery, and crochet work, these skilled women bring to life unique pieces that tell stories of tradition, perseverance, and beauty. SilaiWali's dedication to showcasing these timeless skills not only empowers the artisans but also shares a piece of Afgan culture with the world
Advisors
Ady Bhatnagar
Ady is a strategic advisor with extensive experience in technology, business, and for-impact organisations. He boasts of a proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and driving sustainable growth.
Eva Look
Eva is a full-time MBA student at Imperial College Business School with a strong interest in social impact. She previously worked in advertising for over 6 years before joining the program.
Harsh Shah
Curiously navigating the green wonders of nature, Harsh creatively balance books, brands, and a passion for social impact, all while plotting his escape to financial independence.