In brief
The Lijjat Papad co-operative, born from the entrepreneurial spirit of seven housewives in 1959, now boasts over 45,000 women members, generating significant income while fostering community and gender equity.
On a brisk December morning in Delhi, colourful saris and warm shawls wrap a group of women who huddle outside a bustling building that houses one of India's historic social enterprises, known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad. Founded in 1959 in Mumbai by seven determined housewives, this co-operative has evolved into a beacon of women’s empowerment through the production of papad, a beloved crunchy snack integral to Indian cuisine.Now with over 45,000 members and an impressive annual turnover of 16 billion rupees ($186 million), the Lijjat co-operative has expanded its reach to export products worldwide, including to the UK and US. Women work predominantly from home, crafting a variety of products like spices and detergents, but the Lijjat poppadom remains the crown jewel of their offerings.“For us, Lijjat is a temple; it enables us to earn a livelihood and nourish our families,” shares 70-year-old Lakshmi, who manages the Delhi center and joined the co-operative after her husband's passing forced her to seek income. “I had little education, but my neighbor introduced me to Lijjat, changing my life forever,” she recalls. Today, she oversees a team of 150 women and appreciates the sense of balance between work and family life that the co-operative provides.Every member travels to their nearest Lijjat center to collect lentil and spice dough each day, which they carry home to roll into delicate papads. Initially, Lakshmi spent up to five hours crafting 1kg of papad; she now accomplishes this in just half an hour, thanks to improved skills and efficient processes. The head office manages the logistics of sourcing raw materials, allowing the women to focus on production.The co-operative's inception and growth mirror India's post-Independence journey. In the 1950s, as the country sought to build a balanced economy, women faced systemic challenges in accessing education and employment. The founding members – Jaswantiben, Parvatiben, Ujamben, Banuben, Laguben, Jayaben, and Diwaliben – were young mothers living in cramped conditions in Mumbai, determined to support their families. With no funds for ingredients, they received a loan from social worker Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, who guided them through the initial struggles of finding a market for their poppadoms.Despite early setbacks, perseverance paid off when local shopkeepers agreed to stock their products. As demand grew, more women joined the co-operative, evolving it into a model of shared ownership and mutual respect. “We are co-owners, not employees,” explains current president Swati Paradkar, underscoring the co-operative ethos that promotes collective decision-making and profit-sharing.It wasn’t until 1966 that the co-operative developed the now-iconic Lijjat brand name, suggested by a fellow member and meaning “taste” in Gujarati. This branding helped produce a sense of identity and pride among the women, leading to lasting community impact.Today, Lijjat Papad stands as a testament to women’s resilience and entrepreneurship, helping generations achieve financial independence. Lakshmi proudly states, "I’ve educated my children, built a house, and arranged their marriages. Here, I’ve found not only an income but also the respect I’ve always desired." The co-operative continues to thrive, affirming the power of ancient skills and collective effort in shaping a new narrative for women in India.
