Jaggery

Upcycled bags and totes handcrafted in India Jaggery is a women-led social enterprise based in Gurgaon, India that converts industrial waste material into a range of upcycled bags and totes. The organization is founded on the principles of sustainability, fair trade, and global citizenry. Jaggery proudly aligns its goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. In fact, in 2022, Jaggery and PbP spoke at Catalysing Change, the world’s largest event for social entrepreneurs working to attain the SDGs by 2030. Jaggery runs projects with various women-led self-help groups throughout India. Through these collaborations, Jaggery empowers artisans and craftspeople in Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal with a sustained livelihood.

Meet Shahid

Shahid Ansari was born in the village of Gaya in Bihar, India, where his father owned a corner shop. At the young age of 7 he was moved to Kolkata (then called Calcutta) to work as an apprentice in his uncle’s leather bag manufacturing company. When Shahid’s uncle moved his manufacturing business from Kolkata to Delhi, Shahid followed, but found himself working in various unstable jobs throughout his youth. In 2015, he was offered stable employment by joining Jaggery Bags.

Shahid is now married and his wife and two daughters live in his hometown of Gaya. There, his daughters attend the village school and his wife is a homemaker. Shahid can support his family through his work at Jaggery Bags. Shahid has been at the forefront of creating some of the most beautiful upcycled bags and accessories and is a leader at the workshop.