Photo: Wikimedia CommonsA grassroots collective founded by activist Nasreen Sheikh, Local Womens Handicrafts trains and employs marginalised women in weaving, sewing, embroidery and jewellery-making, paying stipends during a year-long apprenticeship. The Thamel shop sells cotton and silk clothing, bags, scarves and accessories, all handmade using sustainable methods. Profits fund community projects in womens empowerment, education and health. Buy a hand-loomed scarf and support a genuinely transformative social enterprise.