In a world where ambition reigns supreme, many are left behind by stigma and prejudice. The Inclusive Artisans Marketplace was born from the desire to change this narrative. The establishment of the Inclusive Artisans Marketplace was not merely a business venture but a testament to the unwavering belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, deserves a chance to thrive.
Led by a passionate team, the initiative recognized the staggering statistics that revealed the harsh realities faced by persons with disabilities worldwide. With approximately 15% of the global population falling under this umbrella, the team understood the urgent need to address the high unemployment rates and societal marginalization plaguing this vibrant community.
The founders of the Inclusive Artisans Marketplace set out on a mission driven by empathy, compassion, and a fervent thirst for change, motivated by a strong desire to break down barriers and defy societal norms. Their goal was simple: to create a space where talent knows no limits, creativity flourishes, and diversity is not just welcomed but cherished as a source of strength.
With each step forward, the marketplace evolved beyond being a mere platform for selling products; it transformed into a beacon of hope for those long marginalized by society. It became a sanctuary where artisans could showcase their skills, express their individuality, and reclaim their rightful place in the world.
The journey that began in 2022 with an empathetic oath taken on the international day of Persons with Disabilities to provide dignified employment to PwDs, emerged as a force to establish an inclusive future for Pakistan. IAM has so far hired six artisans to create marketable products that showcase their creativity and diligence. These artisans, despite having physical and cognitive disabilities defied the limitations the society posed on them. Each of IAM’s artisans represent a spirit of aptitude, resilience, and creativity.
Our artisans
the story of nurah
In the image of her creators, Nurah’s journey begins with her name, a radiant beacon in the darkness. Born with partial blindness, she perceives the world through a softer light, yet her mother bestowed upon her the name Nurah, meaning “light” in Arabic, believing in her capacity to illuminate even the deepest shadows and bring warmth to those around her.
Crafted by skilled artisans with disabilities, Nurah transcends mere dollhood; she symbolizes compassion, inclusion, and justice. Each artisan infuses her with their love, passion, and resilience, intertwining their personal narratives into her very fabric. Nurah is Pakistan’s first inclusive doll representing the resilience and struggles of persons with disabilities.
Nurah’s character embodies the virtues of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. She serves as a paragon of the tolerance and respect we aim to instill in our children. Through her diverse storytelling and bespoke accessories, Nurah inspires children to embrace the richness of human diversity, nurturing empathy and fostering understanding.
Yet, Nurah’s creation is more than a testament to her character; it’s a gateway to opportunities for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents and skills. The artisans behind Nurah take immense pride in their craftsmanship, grateful for the chance to contribute to a company that recognizes and values their unique perspectives, while offering them avenues toward socio-economic empowerment.
At IAM, we are dedicated to weaving a tapestry of compassion, one stitch at a time. Nurah isn’t merely a doll; she represents a ray of hope, guiding us towards a future where kindness and inclusivity reign supreme.
Muhammad Arshad
Muhammad Arshad, a 44-year-old man, lost his right leg a few years ago and now uses crutches to walk. Before joining IAM, he sold candies and snacks, but it wasn’t enough to make a decent living. The core team at IAM welcomed him and offered him a job role that suited him best, along with training to enhance his skills. Today, he is responsible for cutting and tracing the custom-made accessories and handmade dolls at IAM. He feels accepted by society and has an equal opportunity to earn and grow like anyone else in the organization.
Anas Abbasi
Anas Abbasi is a 26-year-old Master’s graduate in Special Education who suffers from night blindness and lost his left leg in a train accident 18 years ago. Despite his qualifications and teaching experience in a blind school, he faced discrimination in the job market until he received a call from IAM. Here he works as a skilled worker and has an equal opportunity to earn and grow in life. The management adjusted his schedule to accommodate his night blindness, and he feels safe and more confident.
Maria Khalid
Maria Khalid is a strong and independent woman who has been struggling with Borderline Intelligence for a very long time. Despite her difficulties, she excelled in mathematics and was entrusted with financial decision-making at home. After struggling to focus on her studies in high school, she gave up on her dream of further education. Throughout her life, Maria has been treated as someone incapable of adult responsibilities and emotions, leading to her being taken for granted. After a fairly long time, Maria’s family began to take her problems seriously and discovered her disability. Maria’s sister-in-law convinced her to start vocational training at a center dedicated to persons with disabilities. There she learned cutting, stitching, painting, and cooking and started her own venture as a home-based chef with limited guidance and support. Maria was elated when she was selected for a regular job at IAM, where she was given tasks to assess her ability and training to develop her skills. Maria now has a regular job and feels safe at IAM, where she is treated like family. She has won certificates and trophies and is confident and happy in her work.
Ayesha Rani
Ayesha Rani, a 34-year-old graduate in Special Education, has been dealing with a hearing impairment since birth. She started using a hearing aid device at the age of 12, which helped her recognize some sounds. Currently, Ayesha is raising two sons with her husband. Ayesha previously worked as a full-time tailor at a renowned company, but the job’s long hours and excessive workload took a more severe toll on her hearing and speaking abilities, leading her to quit. Seeking a better opportunity, she joined IAM as a tailor and is now leading the stitching of handmade rag dolls by IAM. Ayesha is grateful for her experience at IAM. She appreciates the company’s flexible working hours, reasonable workload, and equal pay, which have provided her with financial stability and the opportunity to maintain a work-life balance.
Anas Pervaiz
Anas Pervaiz is a 21-year-old who overcome his borderline intellectual disability. After a tragic road accident in 2017 where Anas lost his father in front of his eyes, the trauma impacted him with such intensity his way of speaking changed. Anas dropped out of school in sixth grade and struggled to find employment until he discovered KVTC, a vocational training center. He learned various skills there, including cutting, sewing, and painting. His teachers at KVTC informed him that IAM was interested in his work and offered him a regular position. Anas is now a valued employee at IAM responsible for ironing, which he takes great pride in. He is grateful for the respect and camaraderie he has found with the IAM team and as the eldest son, is happy to contribute to his family.
Ambreen
Ambreen exemplifies an unbreakable spirit, navigating life with remarkable resilience despite facing hearing and speaking disabilities. Despite these challenges, she brings her dedication and determination to IAM's sewing station, where she contributes with unwavering commitment and skill. Ambreen's presence serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within each individual, inspiring those around her with her steadfast resolve and unwavering determination.
