Needle Doodle - The Art of Helping through Crotchet

By Shreya Upadhyay, ICSE Batch of 2023

As the founder of Needle Doodle, I embarked on a journey to address wealth disparity by

creating an initiative that not only provides financial support to underprivileged women but also fosters a sense of empowerment and self-worth. At Needle Doodle, we believe in the power of skill-building as a means to create long-lasting change in the lives of these women. Our nonprofit organization focuses on crochet as a medium to drive this transformation. The idea is simple but powerful—give women a skill that not only allows them to earn a living but also instills confidence and independence.

We operate through a structured two-stage program. First, the women are trained in the art of crochet. Many of them are completely new to this craft, so our team works closely with them to ensure they master the techniques. It's about more than just learning a new hobby—it’s about giving them a tool they can use to shape their futures. Once they’ve gained proficiency, they move on to the second stage, where they use their newly acquired skills to create beautiful, handmade products such as bags, keychains, and decorative flowers.

For each item they create, the women are paid fairly, giving them a direct source of income. What makes Needle Doodle unique is that every sale of these products is reinvested into the initiative. This allows us to sustain our operations and continue helping more women in need. Over time, as we grow, we hope to expand our network and reach more women who could benefit from this opportunity.

At its core, Needle Doodle is about much more than crochet—it's about providing a pathway to independence and self-reliance. We believe that by equipping these women with skills and an income source, we are contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a ripple effect that extends to their families and communities. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the personal growth and confidence these women gain through the program, knowing that they are capable of crafting their own success.