In a vibrant display of resilience and entrepreneurship, Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad has empowered over 45,000 women across India to achieve financial independence. Founded in 1959 by seven housewives in Mumbai, this women-led co-operative began by producing papad (poppadoms) and has grown into a national enterprise with an annual turnover of $186 million. Members like Ms. Lakshmi, who joined decades ago after losing her husband, have found not just an income but also a sense of dignity and purpose. Through their collective efforts, women work from home, rolling and drying papad dough before returning it for packaging and distribution.
The co-operative thrives on shared ownership, where every woman is a co-owner with an equal say in decision-making. This model has fostered not only financial growth but also a strong sense of community among its members. The Lijjat brand name, suggested in the 1960s, has since become synonymous with quality and tradition. Generations of women have used their earnings to educate children, build homes, and secure brighter futures. As Ms. Lakshmi proudly reflects, “Working here, I have found not just an income but respect.”