For Rubina Begum, weaving is not just a skill but an integral part of her identity. Born into a family of weavers, she grew up around the rhythm and the sound of the loom. Even though she grew up immersed in the world of Himroo, she never had the opportunity to weave, as the craft was traditionally practiced only by the male members of her family. Rubina only started weaving herself in 2018, making her the first woman in her family to do so. Life, however, had other plans for her before this turning point.
A Struggle for Survival
A couple of years ago, after the untimely death of her husband Rubina appa worked as a household help to support her family. But it was not enough, she knew she had to chart a new path. It was her brother, Hamid Bhai—another Himroo weaver who found his way back to the craft through LoomKatha—who introduced her to the project. When faced with the challenge of survival, Rubina turned to the art form she had absorbed subliminally throughout her life. With a determined spirit, she mastered weaving in just four to six months under the skill development guidance provided by our team.
Finding Strength in a New Beginning
Rubina Appa credits her decision to join LoomKatha to Arushi, our founder whose polite demeanor and faith in the project made her feel both comfortable and valued. This opportunity allowed Appa to reclaim her dignity and support her four children."I wanted to become a respectable member of my community and provide for my children," Rubina shares. With two daughters now married, she encourages them to explore creative avenues like sewing and mehndi designing, stressing the importance of self-sufficiency.
Pride in Her Craft
When asked what she tells others about her work, Rubina beams with pride. "मैं कारखाने जाती हूं और हाथ से बुनती हूं" (I work in a workshop and I weave on a handloom). She adds, "I feel happy that my children are relieved. I no longer have to go from one house to another looking for work. I have gained my self-respect, and that is the most important thing for me." What does she appreciate most about LoomKatha? "काम करने से payment साथ-साथ मिलता है, वाकई लगता है कि मेहनत की कमाई है!" (I receive payment for my work on time—it feels like I’m earning my honest living!).
A Space of Solace and Self-Expression
For Rubina Appa, weaving is her sanctuary. She says, "Ever since I was a child, I’ve enjoyed my solitude. The karkhana (workshop) is my space, where I spend time with my thoughts and I get paid for it. What could be better than this?" she says. At the workshop, she feels free as there is no one to judge her, a stark contrast to her previous work as a house help.
Passing the Baton to Future Generations
Rubina has also taught Himroo weaving to young people in her community. However, she feels disheartened by the lack of patience in today’s youth. "They don’t want to connect with the art form because it doesn’t give quick returns," she laments. Through this story, Rubina appa hopes to inspire younger generations to embrace the art of Himroo. "This legacy deserves to be carried forward," she says earnestly, weaving both her words and her craft into a heartfelt plea for the preservation of tradition. Rubina Begum’s story is a journey of resilience, pride, and the power of heritage. Each thread she weaves is a story—of her survival, struggle, self-respect, success and the hope that the loom will continue to spin dreams for generations to come.
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