Reweave Impact Report 2021

VENTURE UPDATES
WEAVER STORY
Khaloom
The pandemic was a huge blow to the fashion sector, with
brands cancelling orders. Khaloom was also severely affected.
The factory had to be closed and weaving operations
suspended as India entered a full and strict lockdown last year.
Thanks to the invaluable support of the Ikea Foundation,
Khaloom could continue paying the salaries of its weavers and
not leave them without dire needed income.
Divya and Chandrakala are
weavers at Khaloom and
absolutely love their jobs.
Weaving is ingrained in their
families, a skill passed down
from generation to generation.
“I like the meditativeness of
weaving. It comes naturally,”
Divya explains. “My father
taught me and I started when I
was 12. Weaving is in my genes.”
“I was relieved after Khaloom’s
call of continuing to pay us,”
Chandrakala says. “I was worried
where we would get money for
essentials like meals from. My
husband’s shop was closed.
There would have been no
income.”
“I had heard of people who
weren’t paid anything. The
companies which laid off people
have existing employees who
are overworked. I have a
neighbour who is overworked.
The work times have only
become longer.”
“I was overjoyed when Khaloom
opened again,” Divya says. “I felt
like I was lost in a jungle and
came back! I was so happy to be
reunited with my colleague
weavers, my friends. I have
worked in other companies, but
at Khaloom I can be myself
without fear. I can ask and be
open with Khaloom.”
When the factory was slowly
able to open again Khaloom
turned its attention towards
meeting the rising need for
masks across India. The
company is using its handwoven
and recycled fabrics to sew
masks for essential workers like
litter pickers, street sweepers
and autorickshaw drivers. This
not only provides these workers
with vital protection, it also
enables trusted - now
unemployed - tailors to work
from home and earn an income.
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