Pink City Rickshaw

Pink City Rickshaw

Pink City Rickshaw

September 12, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Pink City Rickshaw

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Impact

The Pink City Rickshaw Co., an initiative by ACCESS Development Services, offers women from low-income households in Jaipur sustainable livelihoods. These women proudly drive designer e-rickshaws, taking tourists to iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal, providing a unique and personal experience beyond traditional tours. Managed by the women themselves, this project empowers them economically with continued support from ACCESS. In addition to creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged women, the initiative promotes eco-friendly transportation to help reduce pollution levels in the city.

50
community members directly benefitting
Pink City Rickshaw

Critical Need

ACCESS and HSBC launched the Pink City Rickshaw project in Jaipur to train women from low-income households to be e-rickshaw drivers. Despite initial skepticism and a shortage of female instructors, success came when a male driver trained his wife as the first female instructor. Today, the project has boosted these women’s livelihoods and social status, earning respect from previously skeptical male drivers.

Our Involvement

Planeterra supports Pink City Rickshaw by providing market connections to help them establish a sustainable funding source through hosting travellers. Additionally, as part of the Planeterra Network, they benefit from learning modules, ongoing training, and mentorship.

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Sheroes Hangout

September 12, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Sheroes Hangout

Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Impact

Founded in 2014 by the Chhanv Foundation, Sheroes’ Hangout is a café that offers acid attack survivors both livelihoods and support. It challenges stigmas and helps women from disadvantaged backgrounds find opportunities for personal growth and recovery. Beyond reshaping societal perceptions, Sheroes aids survivors in their medical recovery and pursuit of justice.

By providing dignified employment at the café, Sheroes empowers women to support their families, raise their children, and live with respect and self-esteem, just like any other member of society.

15
community members directly benefitting

Critical Need

Acid attacks are brutal crimes aimed at disfiguring rather than killing, using acids that cause severe burns, scarring, and trauma, mostly affecting women. The Chhanv Foundation raises awareness of these attacks and supports survivors, working to bring lasting change. Its main project, Sheroes Hangout Café, provides both financial support and helps survivors regain confidence, earning them trust within their families.

Our Involvement

Planeterra supports Sheroes Hangout by providing market connections to help them establish a sustainable funding source through hosting travellers. Additionally, as part of the Planeterra Network, they benefit from learning modules, ongoing training, and mentorship.

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Sunder Rang

July 31, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Sunder Rang

Chandelao, India

Impact

Sunder Rang, initiated in 2007, aims to empower the residents (mainly women) of Chandelao Village and preserve traditional arts and skills. Sunder Rang employs artisans for sewing and stitching, utilizing their creativity to design the pieces showcased at the Art & Craft Center. It has also united women from different castes, fostering collaboration and breaking down barriers. It’s a small but significant step in a positive direction.

This initiative has created numerous job opportunities for the rural women of Chandelao. They receive training in designing, stitching, crafts, and other traditional techniques to produce high-quality handicrafts. Additionally, Sunder Rang brings together women from various communities to work as a team, and it also trains and mentors youth with disabilities.

A portion of the income generated from this program is shared with the artisans, while the remainder goes towards the development and expansion of the project.

35
community members directly benefitting
500
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

The women expressed a need for alternative economic opportunities. Traditionally, they had limited options and it was nearly impossible to bring women from different castes together to work as a team. Sunder Rang addresses this need by offering a learning space to enhance skills and foster growth. It provides fair wages to artisans, primarily women, ensuring a stable income source and empowering them economically.

Our Involvement

Sunder Rang’s partnership with Planeterra has significantly enhanced its capacity and market connectivity. Planeterra has organized workshops at the Sunder Rang center to improve communication skills, storytelling, and tourism experience development. Additionally, Planeterra provides online mentorship and access to learning resources.

The training program has helped participants better understand their roles in delivering visitor experiences and expanded Sunder Rang’s outreach to a larger network.

Travellers visiting Sunder Rang can learn about the center’s journey, participate in a bracelet-making demonstration, and enjoy a hands-on handicraft experience.

This program aims to scale up Sunder Rang’s production and involve more community members, providing them with technical skills and supplemental income. The initiative also seeks to broaden its market reach through various platforms and networks.

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Anoothi India

July 19, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Anoothi India

Achrol, Jaipur, India

Impact

Anoothi India is a social enterprise for women, by women, serving as the livelihood component of the Vatsalya Society, an NGO dedicated to social development. “Anoothi” means unique and extraordinary in Hindi, and the goal is to make these women aware of just how ‘Anoothi’ they truly are.

With support from Planeterra, Anoothi is adding more tourism experiences to its offerings. Travellers can now join hands-on block printing workshops, diving deep into local culture through a textile experience led by women from marginalized communities.

110
community members directly benefitting
500
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

Women who are survivors of violence and from marginalized communities need opportunities to empower themselves. Anoothi equips these women with skills for gainful employment. With direction, support, and training in vocational and life skills, these women achieve financial independence, live with dignity, and provide for their families.

To create more income opportunities, Anoothi ventured into the tourism industry. To successfully host travellers and offer meaningful community experiences, the community needs funds to build new tourism facilities and improve existing infrastructure.

Our Involvement

Planeterra supported Anoothi with a grant to address their immediate needs and enhance the experience for both hosts and travellers. These funds will be used to improve the space, creating a comfortable environment under a beautifully designed shed. With an upgraded walking path, toilets, and benches, travellers will undoubtedly enjoy their time at Anoothi.

The grant will also help Anoothi India upgrade its screen printing unit and equipment, gradually incorporating this activity into the tourism experience. Due to a lack of infrastructure, they have not been able to expand this activity on a large scale.

Travellers visiting Anoothi can participate in a hands-on block printing experience, offering a deep dive into the local culture through a textile workshop led by women from marginalized communities. Not only do travellers get to interact with these women and learn about their experiences, but they also gain insight into this fine craft. They can observe the intricate techniques and browse through some of the products created.

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Sharing Seeds

May 16, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Sharing Seeds

Sarangkot – Tallathar village, Nepal

Impact

Sharing Seeds, a non-profit organization, supports local farmers in producing Organic Arabica Coffee and engages them in Beekeeping. Community tourism profoundly impacts local community members by creating opportunities for economic growth and empowerment. To amplify Sharing Seeds’ impact, Planeterra supported them in developing a meaningful community experience that enables participation from community members, including women and youth, in village tourism. Women are stepping into leadership roles, managing and leading experiences, and handling finances. Additionally, both women and men collaborate closely to ensure travellers have an exceptional time in their village, fostering a newfound sense of self-confidence within them.

12
community members Directly benefiting
40
Community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

In every Nepali village, numerous youths have migrated, primarily to the Middle East and various parts of the world, in search of a better quality of life and income opportunities. Unfortunately, many of these youths are compelled to undertake extremely difficult and risky jobs for meagre salaries of just a few hundred dollars per month, and tragically, some even lose their lives while working in harsh conditions abroad. Sharing Seeds is gradually encouraging these local youths and rural women to participate in sustainable cash crop farming and other income-generating activities within their villages, utilizing modern agricultural practices to maximize land utilization.

Another challenge faced by the community was the lack of tourism revenue, despite being close to a popular tourist destination. By creating a world-class experience that provides an authentic local feel, they are generating more income opportunities for the community.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided Sharing Seeds with a grant to help the community prepare to welcome travellers successfully. With this funding, they improved their infrastructure, received hospitality training, and developed a meal experience led by local women. By integrating this experience into the itinerary of one of our travel partners, Sharing Seeds will attract a steady flow of travellers. This initiative offers everyone an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture through a meal experience led by community women.

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Kirtipur Community Homestay

September 4, 2023 Selene Orellana

Kirtipur Community Homestay

Kirtipur, Nepal

Impact

The Kirtipur Community Homestay, primarily led by Indigenous women with some men, offers travellers a unique opportunity to reside in the heart of Nepal’s Newari town across five homestays. This initiative extends far beyond mere hospitality; it’s about transformation. Women have discovered employment avenues and have played a vital role in preserving age-old culinary traditions of the Newari culture, revitalizing traditional clothing, and safeguarding the unique Newari script.

Inspired by these efforts, the youth of Kirtipur are embracing their cultural heritage and seeking to reconnect with their roots, particularly in culinary arts, recognizing the pivotal role food plays in local festivals and celebrations. They are also showing a renewed interest in learning their ancient Newari script. 

An impressive 10% of the income generated from tourism activities is earmarked for a community fund. After covering expenses, this fund is equitably distributed among all community members, ensuring that the benefits of tourism enrich the lives of everyone.

Travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences have the opportunity to participate in a session on Ranjana Lippi (Calligraphy), an ancient Newari script. Beyond calligraphy, the community invites travellers to savour local cuisine, engage in momo making, and embark on captivating walking tours of Kirtipur.

6
Community members directly benefiting
27
Community members indirectly benefiting
.

Critical Need

Nestled approximately 7 km southwest of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is an enchanting town that captivates travellers with its breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas.

Historically, Kirtipur was primarily an agricultural community. However, with the loss of agricultural land, the need to create employment opportunities, particularly for women, became increasingly urgent. To address this, the community decided to venture into tourism, but initially, their visitors were primarily day-trippers from Kathmandu. These visitors would explore the Newari town during the day and then return to the city, leaving the local residents with limited benefits from tourism.

In response to these challenges, 27 community members underwent training from the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) in 2019, leading to the establishment of 9 homestays, with 5 of them currently operational. In 2021, their skills were further honed through training and mentorship from the Community Homestay Network, enabling them to expand their offerings to travellers. This expansion includes unique experiences such as Ranjana Lippi (calligraphy), which enriches the cultural encounters available in Kirtipur.

Our Involvement

Planeterra played a pivotal role in supporting Kirtipur’s journey towards offering memorable and culturally rich experiences to travellers. Through a catalyst grant, we provided the means for the women to establish a momo demonstration activity and serve local Newari meals, ensuring the necessary equipment is readily available to welcome and host travellers professionally.

Moreover, the Planeterra team has conducted comprehensive training sessions, equipping the Kirtipur community with valuable hospitality skills. This not only enhances the quality of their offerings but also enables them to share their cultural heritage more effectively through storytelling. By focusing on delivering an exceptional meal experience, the community can create an outstanding overall impression for guests, further enriching their range of activities.

This partnership also opens the door for the Kirtipur community to integrate seamlessly into the value chain of one of our corporate partners, promising a brighter and more sustainable future.

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Safi Kitchen_Jordan_Planeterra_P100

Safi Kitchen

August 26, 2022 Selene Orellana Meals, Partners

Safi Kitchen

Southern Ghawr, Jordan

Impact

Safi Kitchen is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the local culture and natural resources to promote the southern region of the Jordan Valley (Ghawr) as a tourist destination throughout the year. The key beneficiaries of the kitchen are local women and youth who are short of financial opportunities in their communities. They participate in an authentic farm and meal experience to showcase their tradition and culture through food.

By engaging in tourism activities, community members receive a much-needed income from the kitchen. Women can now make their own financial decisions and youth are leading up conservation activities in their communities. 

The community continues to value their environment and more businesses are being led by women. They are also sharing their culture authentically.

19
people employed
114
Community members benefitting
Safi Kitchen_Jordan_Planeterra_P100
.

Critical Need

Al-Safi Kitchen was opened at the end of 2019 in the southern Jordan Valley, hosting visitors to the area and making the region a distinct tourist destination that provides high-quality services that reflect the local cultural heritage.

However, since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Safi Kitchen has struggled to find customers and make the project successful.

Our Involvement

Through a partnership with Safi Kitchen, Planeterra facilitated a market connection to the tourism sector, where travellers enjoy an authentic meal experience and understand the traditional methods of farming in Jordan while seeing the fresh ingredients picked and used in their meals. They also get an opportunity to learn about how this community is using agriculture to preserve their environment.

Safi Kitchen provides a traditional lunch, tea and snacks to travellers. They also have an in-community bike trail for active travellers with a mountainous backdrop. The tour is led by youth from the community who are receiving an income from the tours.

Photos Safi Kitchen_Jordan_P100_Planeterra

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DESA

October 30, 2020 Planeterra Partners

DÊSA

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Impact

The sustainable income generated by travellers will allow for DEŠA to expand the reach of its community and women’s projects. The ripple effects from visitors will be felt throughout the organization and the communities in which they work. From improving rural employment to empowering female entrepreneurs, DEŠA will be able to continue providing opportunities for those who have been left marginalized in their community.

7
people employed
21
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Founded during the homeland war, DEŠA was born when a group of locals from Dubrovnik partnered with refugees and made a small handicraft business. Now, they continue as a women’s centre which provides victim support while acting as a centre of cultural preservation. From the beginning, the founders of DEŠA knew it was important to not just provide emotional support for fellow women but to connect them to meaningful work that would make them feel empowered. In anticipation of tourism’s return to Dubrovnik, DEŠA provided computer and language courses so women could have the opportunity to take part in what was to become a booming tourist economy. Through selling handicrafts made by women across the country, and providing tourists with the opportunity to learn about traditional costumes, weaving, and cooking, DEŠA is contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of its communities.

Our Involvement

Through our Partnership with DEŠA, Planeterra will be providing a small grant to assist in capacity building as well as training and collaboration in developing a new cultural experience for travellers. Planeterra also facilitated a partnership between G Adventures and DEŠA, which means a consistent stream of travelers gaining insight into DEŠA’s mission and experiencing traditional Croatian culture, all while providing sustainable income for the organization’s community work.

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Panauti Community Homestay

September 9, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Panauti Community Homestay

Panauti, Nepal

Impact

The homestay is an opportunity for the local women of Panauti to take on a higher responsibility in the community. It has given them confidence as they portray their capabilities to each guest that visits the town. Through this program, women are learning English and speaking confidently with guests. Solar panels have been installed and community sanitation has improved. Women engaged in the homestay are earning a living for themselves and able to contribute to household expenses, as they become leaders in the community. Twenty percent of income from all bookings are placed in a fund that goes towards community projects, including scholarships and sanitation training. Today there are 20 women working as homestay hosts and welcoming travellers into their homes.

86
Locals Directly benefiting
430
Community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

Located just outside of Kathmandu and historic sites, Panauti had been long dismissed as a tourist destination. Many youth and adults choose to leave the community for education and work as employment opportunities within the community are few. Tourism was identified as a way to bring new opportunities for women and youth, and generate income for community development in Panauti. With a UNESCO heritage site and rich culture, the community was identified to have large tourism potential by Planeterra’s local partners, Royal Mountain Travel and the Community Homestay Network.

Our Involvement

Planeterra’s corporate partner, G Adventures, provides a steady stream of travellers to the Panauti Community Homestay, including a Local Living Tour, which brings travellers to Panauti for four nights to truly experience community life. This connection to the tourism value chain boosts their business and allows the community to invest back in what matters most to them. Planeterra also provides ongoing support to the women in Panauti to help the homestay thrive.

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TWE

September 4, 2020 Planeterra Partners

TWE- Together We Earn

Kerala, India

Impact

TWE is a Women’s Empowerment Programme supporting rural women in finding employment opportunities. TWE started by running small tea shops in Kerala with women from the area. In 2018, they built their training center but were left without funding to develop the programs.

This partnership allows TWE- Together We Earn to train more women than ever and provide tangible skills-training opportunities with a guaranteed customer base. The income generated through this program allows the organization to continue expanding training for various livelihood opportunities for women in Kerala, and empower more women as entrepreneurs. The centre also provides a platform for women to build confidence and become independent members of society.

8
community members directly benefitting
100
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

Kerala has made strides on women’s empowerment in terms of education and health indicators, having the highest rates in India, yet women’s participation in the labour force is low and declining. In rural Alleppey agriculture, construction, fish farming and sanitary workers are the main sources of income for families.

Women do not often have the opportunity to gain skills and find employment beyond the work they are doing in the fields. TWE- Together We Earn led by Theruvarom in Kerala was created to directly meet the needs of women in the area.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with TWE-Together We Earn to bring their women’s empowerment program to the next level. An investment allowed the organization to build a kitchen in rural Alleppey that can be used for training women in catering skills, prepping food for their local tea shops, and hosting international travellers. Previously, the program focused their livelihood training on opening local tea shops. With this partnership, they are bringing their passion and expertise into tourism for the first time. Training on hospitality and tourism management was provided by Planeterra to ensure TWE’s success as they pivot into tourism for the first time. They received their first international travellers in January 2020 and the program has generated employment for 10 women.

Guests are given a traditional Keralan experience at the centre, enjoying a beautiful vegetarian meal followed by local folk songs passed down by farmers. Guests also learn more about the programs that TWE runs to empower women in the area.

Planeterra continues to mentor TWE as they explore more income-generating opportunities for women in rural Alleppey.

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Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation Number: 793488-2, US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 83-1619668