PashooPakshee is a social enterprise that bridges the gap between tourism, conservation, and community development by training women in marginalized communities throughout India to create handcrafted, environmentally conscious souvenirs that reflect the rich cultural heritage and biodiversity of their regions. These products, which range from keychains and handicrafts to regionally inspired designs for museums and tourism hubs, provide sustainable income opportunities for women living near India’s protected forests and remote areas. In doing so, PashooPakshee not only creates economic opportunities but also ensures that local culture and conservation efforts are woven into the tourism experience, benefiting both people and the planet.
The PashooPakshee Origin Story
The origins of PashooPakshee are deeply rooted in the experiences of its founder, Savini Sonavaria, whose journey seamlessly crossed over between engineering, conservation, and social impact. With a master’s degree in mobile technology, Savini embarked on a cross-functional thesis with the Nature Conservation Foundation in Bangalore. Being tasked with developing an algorithm to identify bird calls, she became immersed in the world of conservationists and researchers and it was here that she first encountered the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict and the stark socio-economic struggles of communities living near India’s protected forests.
As an avid traveler and birdwatcher, Savini was no stranger to these regions. She observed firsthand how ecotourism brought wealth to tour operators but left local communities, especially women, on the sidelines. Despite their proximity to thriving tourism hubs, these communities had little access to economic opportunities. And women, in particular, were often excluded from tourism-related jobs like guiding, cooking, or hospitality, with men dominating these roles. This disconnect was further compounded by the fact that mass-produced souvenirs sold to tourists had no connection to the local culture or environment.
Determined to address these inequalities, Savini spent three years saving up money while working in a corporate job and in 2016, she founded PashooPakshee, inspired by the idea that empowering local women to craft souvenirs could create a sustainable and inclusive economic model. The goal was clear: provide women with the skills and resources to generate income, develop a sense of pride in their communities, and align their livelihoods with conservation efforts.
How PashooPakshee Is Making A Positive Impact
Since then, PashooPakshee has emerged as a positive force in the lives of women artisans and their communities throughout India, addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges through their holistic and inclusive approach.
At the heart of PashooPakshee’s impact is economic empowerment. Women from indigenous and rural communities are trained to create high-quality, handcrafted souvenirs, providing them with a steady income and financial independence. For many, this marks the first time they can contribute meaningfully to their households. Chaya’s story exemplifies this transformation. After her father was tragically murdered over a $50 debt, Chaya joined PashooPakshee and, within months, began earning $60 a month. This modest but consistent income not only stabilized her family’s financial situation but also highlighted how access to the right opportunities can be life-changing.
Through PashooPakshee, women artisans are challenging traditional norms by delaying early marriages and advocating for their autonomy. Where girls were once married off between the ages of 19 and 21, many are now waiting until their mid-20s, citing their economic contributions as a reason to prioritize their independence. Mothers, too, are leveraging their incomes to improve their children’s futures, moving them from basic government schools to private institutions that offer better education. These changes signal a profound shift in both individual aspirations and broader community dynamics.
PashooPakshee’s work also extends to environmental conservation. Many of the women artisans previously relied on labor-intensive foraging and hunting, activities that often brought them into conflict with wildlife and strained local ecosystems. With the stability of their new craft-based livelihoods, these women have reduced their dependence on forest resources, leading to fewer human-wildlife conflicts and greater environmental preservation.
Initially focused on wildlife tourism, PashooPakshee has since expanded to cater to a variety of sectors, including heritage tourism, beach tourism, and urban experiences. By diversifying its offerings, the organization not only challenges artisans to explore new designs but also reaches a broader audience of travelers. Souvenirs are priced between $4 and $30, ensuring that every tourist, regardless of budget, can support local economies while taking home a meaningful piece of India’s cultural and ecological heritage.
How You Can Support PashooPakshee
You can support PashooPakshee by purchasing their handcrafted souvenirs, which directly empower women artisans while celebrating India’s cultural and ecological heritage. You can also follow them on social media to stay connected and help spread the word about their mission and products. For organizations or events, consider collaborating with PashooPakshee to create custom designs that reflect their commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
