Empowering Lives: The Transformation of Indian Women through Lijjat Papad

The Lijjat Papad cooperative, founded in 1959, has become a beacon of empowerment for over 45,000 women, enabling them to achieve financial independence while balancing family life.

On a crisp December morning, a vibrant group of women donned in colorful saris, warm shawls, and woollen caps gathered outside a three-storey building in a bustling Delhi neighborhood. This building houses a branch of one of India's pioneering social enterprises, the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, which has been transforming women's lives since its inception in 1959 by seven determined housewives in Mumbai (previously Bombay).

They started by making papad—crispy, savory snacks that are a beloved accompaniment to Indian meals. Fast forward 65 years, this cooperative, headquartered in Mumbai, has expanded its reach across India, boasting a membership of over 45,000 women and an impressive annual turnover of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million or £150 million), exporting products to markets as far as the UK and US.

From home, these women produce a diverse range of products including spices, detergents, and chapatis (flatbreads), but the Lijjat brand of poppadoms remains their signature offering. "For us, Lijjat is a temple," states Lakshmi, 70, a manager at the Delhi center. After losing her husband, Lakshmi sought work and discovered Lijjat through a neighboring friend. "It changed my life," she recalls, now overseeing a team of 150 women who benefit from the cooperative’s model, allowing them to earn income while managing their domestic responsibilities.

Every morning, women collect pre-mixed dough made from lentils and spices from local Lijjat centers before taking it back home to prepare the papadoms. Lakshmi reflects on her journey, noting how her skill evolved; she can now produce a kilogram of dried lentil papad in just half an hour, a tremendous improvement from the four-to-five hours it initially required.

Lijjat's intricate workflow includes bulk purchasing of raw materials at its Mumbai headquarters, with the finished products delivered to the centers for packaging and distribution. This cooperative came into existence during a pivotal moment in India's history when women faced patriarchal challenges that limited their educational and work opportunities. The founders, among them Jaswantiben and Parvatiben, aimed to support their households using culinary skills passed down through generations.

Crucial to their start was Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, a social worker who provided initial financial support that catalyzed their efforts. Through perseverance, they successfully introduced their products in local shops, gradually increasing in popularity.

Unlike traditional workplaces, the cooperative emphasizes co-ownership and collective decision-making, creating a supportive environment where women refer to one another as "ben" (sister). "We're a cooperative, not a company. All profits and losses are shared, making us equally invested in our success," explains Swati Paradkar, the cooperative's current president.

The Lijjat brand name emerged in 1966 with the help of the Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission, promoting small-scale rural enterprises. Amid a flood of suggestions, one of their own sisters contributed the name "Lijjat," which translates to "taste" in Gujarati.

Through this cooperative, generations of women have achieved financial autonomy. "I've educated my children, built a house, and arranged their marriages," beams Lakshmi. "It offers not only an income but also dignity and respect." This journey of empowerment continues, proving that a simple snack can create ripples of transformation in the lives of women across India.