The Anchal Project: An Update On a Former Valkyrie’s Social Injustice Project

Anchal is a non-for-profit organization providing alternative comes for the sex-trade enslaved women of India. Co-founded in 2009 by Sacred Heart graduate Colleen Clines, this project uses recycled fashion design as an alternative income for these impoverished women. Fortunately for the SHA community there has been plenty of opportunity to help raise awareness of this evil, although evidently breakable, cycle in the sex trade industry throughout the world, particularly India.

Sacred Heart most recently saw Anchal’s impact highlighted in the eye-opening documentary, Half the Sky, where America Ferrara took a stance on breaking this cycle and joined forces with Anchal and their new DiDi Connection campaign. “Our partner New Light, a non governmental organization based in India was predominantly featured in Half the Sky and that’s where America comes into the picture,” said Clines.

Clines views America Ferrara as their starting point and a great base for the foundation of the DiDi Connection. DiDi, a word meaning sister in Hindi, is used frequently and affectionately between the women in India. This campaign reflects that affection by providing women with the opportunity to design and create scarves as an alternative source of income. The production of 600 handcrafted scarves is in effect the outcome of 15 women with now legitimate, full time jobs.

Anchal has caught the attention of social activists all over the globe. “We were given a google social impact grant and a dining for women grant”, said Clines, “they are start up funds that will allow us to hire up to 50 women artisans, there are already that many on the waiting list.” There is such a need for organizations like Anchal, but the results do not come easily. “There are definitely challenges along the way and it is hard to stay motivated sometimes when they are happening; some shipments won’t meet our guidelines or some women choose to leave”, Clines said. However, it is her positive outlook that can be most admirable, “All women are sisters and we must help each other out”, the former valkyrie declared. Anchal’s communicative relationships with New Light and Vatsalya, celebratory support, and grants have brought much resource and stability to The Anchal Project, but it is primarily the dedication of the staff that has proved effectiveness. Thankfully for the Anchal staff this project has turned enough of a profit so they can be paid for their work now and it only continues to get busier as the holidays approach. “Christmas is our busiest time and right now we are just collecting profits”, Clines said, “Next year we will be able to give out scholarships to children of the women that will allow them to go to school.”

Anchal has come such a long way, yet Clines continues to pursue the end of this vicious cycle. “We are looking forward to expand in India, really take route and increasing our product line; creating a larger impact on our women.” The Anchal Project is a beautiful movement started by a single idea and two inspirational women, Colleen Clines and Devon Miller.

Valkyries never forget what they learn at SHA: to be strong women of great faith. For those students that are interested in living out the core value of service as a Valkyrie, stroll down Bardstown Road to The Design Lab starting the 30th of November during Bardstown Road-Aglow. “We have collaborated with The Design Lab and will be selling our products in their store”, said Clines. “We’ve loved working with students in the past, and now there’s larger opportunity for volunteering”, said Clines. “We encourage students to email us and see how they can get involved”.