Founded in 2010, Wishwas works with primarily with South Asian women (Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Nepali) as well as other immigrant communities to train them to enhance their skills so that they can be self dependent, confidence and be engaged in sustainable work. Wishwas organizes weekly meetings, where women could practice their communication skills, engage in skill-based training and develop relationships with each other. The idea of cooperatives emerged as a self-sustaining alternative for women to gain control of their livelihoods. The organization believes in fair trade, fair wages and expanding opportunities for low-income women and their communities.
Wishwas currently has operations in Jamaica, Queens. All of its training programs are free. Wishwas operates following programs every week:
Vocational Hands-on Skills Training
Wishwas provides hands-on training and support services to develop skills such as design, production and presentation.
- Ten-month apparel construction, pattern and product making
- Classes starts from September to June every year
- Students are given certification after an evaluation
- Women get small custom orders from designers
- Workshops on using new mediums to make products to sell
- Market readiness, production process and pop-up shop opportunities
- Trips to Brooklyn Accelerator and Textile museums and events
Workers Cooperatives
Wishwas provides the initial support structure and referrals to micro-loans for members to meet, form self-sustaining cooperatives and start-up businesses, purchase materials and finance new initiatives.
- Workers cooperative training
- Community organizing
- Skill building
Small Business Entrepreneurship
Wishwas assists members develop and manage a business plan, including marketing, budgeting, partnerships and sales. The organization provides mentors, workshops and networks to help leverage resources, attain loans and gain visibility for their work.
- Pro bono legal services to incorporate businesses
- Pro bono Business planning and development services
- Resources for seed money and grants
Legal and Health Resources
Wishwas believes in women’s holistic development and understand that legal and health barriers can prevent women from realizing their fullest potentials. The organization provides referrals to affordable and accessible healthcare, legal services and social services, to encourage emotional and physical well-being.
- Workshops on nutrition and wellness
- Workshops on reproductive health
- Workshops on gender and sexuality
- Legal workshops for immigrants.