We are part of Action Village India, a UK-based charity that supports rural development projects across India. These projects stretch from the fields of Bihar in the north to the villages of Tamil Nadu in the south. The communities we support often face serious challenges, such as poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and long-standing social inequality.

All of our work is done in partnership with Indian organisations working directly with local communities. These partners are experts in their fields and lead grassroots projects that address local needs. Their work is guided by Gandhian principles of non-violent change and self-organisation. Action Village India helps by funding, strengthening, and supporting these efforts.

We also collaborate with independent brands that share our ethos. Currently, Kathaa stocks products from:

• Khadi London, which sources natural fabrics from co-operatives and community-based artisans across India. They support designers who honour craft and provenance, challenging fast fashion and disposability.

• Where Does It Come From?, an award-winning social enterprise creating fully traceable clothing that’s kind to people and planet alike. Each item tells the story of its journey, all the way from field to finished garment.

• MESH, an Indian Fair Trade organisation working with disabled and leprosy-affected artisans to support their rehabilitation and independence.

Both Khadi London and Where Does It Come From? donate 25% of their proceeds to Action Village India’s grassroots development work.

By shopping with Kathaa, you're not just buying something beautiful – you're helping build a fairer, more self-reliant rural India. To learn more about our work, please visit the Action Village India website.

Many of the beautiful pieces available at Kathaa are produced through our partnership with Ekta Parishad, a national movement of over 11,000 community-based organisations dedicated to village self-governance (Gram Swaraj), local livelihoods, and the rights of India's most marginalised people. This included indigenous communities, underserved groups and nomadic groups. Under Ekta Parishad’s village economy programme, weavers and artisans receive a fair wage and work in ways that align with their own traditions, skills and autonomy.