💫 Click here to apply for CraftHER 2025!

Question: From when to when does the project take place? 

Answer:

Tentatively, the dates are 24th June to 2nd August 2025. There will be a total of 6 weeks with week 0 being reserved for cultural training and the remaining 5 weeks for hands-on work on the field.

Question: What exactly do scholars do in the project? What kind of work, in what areas, what skills do I need?

Answer: 

In the CraftHER project, scholars will work on both group-based mini-consulting projects and their own individual entrepreneurial project throughout the 6 weeks. Each week, you and your team will tackle one mini-consulting project, working together to solve real-world challenges faced by the partner organisations. As a group, you'll decide how to divide tasks and collaborate to achieve the best outcomes. Alongside these team-based projects, you’ll also be developing your own entrepreneurial venture.

For example, one of last year’s scholars, Lucia (and yes, we’ve been talking about her story non-stop!), launched her own fashion brand, The Flip, during the LiA programme. She was not only actively working on her brand but also fully participating in the weekly mini-consulting projects with her team. Similarly, other scholars juggled their personal projects alongside their group consulting work.

Question: Could you describe the accommodation? E.g. what type of accommodation, environments etc. Would you describe the living environment as physically and culturally challenging?

Answer: 

Over the six weeks of the CraftHER programme, you'll journey across Kerala, staying in four different accommodations that are as unique as the experiences you'll have. What's the adventure if you're not challenged? CraftHER is not for the faint of heart! While we aim to offer a mix of homestays and eco-friendly lodgings, scholars should be open to potential changes, as we will only finalise accommodation bookings in December once your participation is confirmed. There may be slight adjustments, but that’s part of the adventure!

Accommodations Overview
You'll stay in a mix of homestays and eco-friendly lodgings, each with a capacity for 12 individuals. Most of the accommodations feature shared rooms for two scholars, equipped with basic amenities like toilets, internet access, clean drinking water, a kitchen, and a dining area.

Week 0 & 1 - Cochin:
You’ll kick off your adventure in Cochin, staying in a welcoming homestay near Cochin International Airport. Here, you'll share two-bedroom rooms with attached bathrooms, internet, clean drinking water, and kitchen facilities to make your stay comfortable.

Week 2 & 3 - Thiruvananthapuram:
Next, you’ll move to a hostel in Thiruvananthapuram. The setup is similar to a traditional hostel, with shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities. While the accommodation may be a bit more rustic and lacks high-end comforts, it offers a truly remarkable connection to nature. You can check out more about this place on the CraftHER 2024 Scholars’ Instagram page here.

Week 4 & 5 - Kottayam:
Your final stop will be a homestay near the hometown of the renowned writer Arundhathi Roy. You can explore the beauty of this accommodation here. During this time, you’ll also have the chance to visit Little Flower Farms—a stunning place that feels like heaven on earth! Take a peek here to see why it’s such a special location or read @Yoshino Homma 's post here.

Overall, while the living environments may present some physical and cultural challenges, they will also immerse you in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Kerala, making your adventure truly unforgettable!

Question:  Who is the ideal Laidlaw Scholar for the CraftHER Project?

Answer: 

The ideal Laidlaw Scholar for the CraftHER Project is passionate about women’s empowerment and ethical fashion, ready to embrace challenges. We seek individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit who are committed to ethical practices and eager to build meaningful connections with artisans and local communities during the transformative six-week experience in Kerala.

Before applying, check out this Instagram page created by the CraftHER 2024 scholars and read their posts on the LSV here. If it excites you, then this program is for you! It will challenge your notions about the world, feminism, sisterhood, and friendship—and perhaps the most challenging part: about yourself. While your safety is our priority, we can’t promise a challenge-free journey.

Question: Why should a student be flown into India to work on CraftHER? Why can't we just send the money spent on the project directly to the community?

Answer: 

While sending funds directly to the community can have a positive impact, the CraftHER Project offers a unique and holistic learning experience that goes beyond financial support. It provides scholars with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, work directly with local artisans and women, and develop leadership and intercultural skills that are invaluable for their personal and academic growth.

This hands-on experience not only benefits the scholars but also creates a meaningful connection between international students and the community of artisans. When international students collaborate with artisans, it fosters a rich exchange of ideas, knowledge, and creativity. This interaction brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the community, enhancing their craft and business practices.

Moreover, the students become ambassadors for these artisans, sharing their stories and creations with a global audience, which can lead to increased exposure and sales for the artisans' products. Ultimately, it's not just about giving money; it's about empowering the next generation of leaders with real-world experiences and perspectives while simultaneously providing artisans with opportunities for skill enhancement, market expansion, and cultural exchange.

The CraftHER Project aims to create a win-win situation where both scholars and the community of artisans benefit from this meaningful collaboration. The last CraftHER LiA in the summer of 2024 led to the creation of The Flip, a fashion brand by @Lucia Laffan . Lucia now creates income opportunities for women tailors and artisans in Kerala by giving them work to produce for her label. This is sustainable social change with the potential to keep growing and contributing to the community—and it was born through CraftHER!

If you have further questions leave a comment down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.