01/02/2016
Many see the differently abled population as a liability, to us, it’s a pool of untapped talent.
A friendly visit to the Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women got our eyes fixed on the overstocked cupboards filled with handicrafts, jewellery, gift items and lot more (some of which are found in the images). Happens the case is not very different for the visually impaired and the physically challenged either. This unsettling piece of fact got us pondering on how to get their goods to the market and the marketplace to their doorstep.
Ibtida is a journey we have embarked on to meet this end.We aim at getting the differently abled the market they deserve through an innovative e-commerce platform where they could sell their products with relative ease and at profitable margins.
We are currently in touch with 10 NGO's falling under the Deen Dayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme to promote voluntary action for persons with disabilities. Further action will involve pooling all the 27 NGO's falling under the scheme in Delhi- NCR. None of them have a strong market relation or even a marketing team per say. All their hope is vested in one or two exhibitions and Diwali mela stalls. Online sale is not a viable option as the existing e-commerce sites are indifferent to their needs. What’s worse is their identity as differently abled producers not being acknowledged.
On the other hand, products made by the differently abled have a good receiving. Market research outcomes from 3 studies in college population are positive and indicate profitable margins for online outlets.
Which is why our objectives are :
o To establish partnerships with NGOs and institutes for the differently abled
o To create an e-commerce website that works on the trade aggregator model
o To help these institutes become competitive sellers in the virtual market
The idea is to build a virtual boutique where each NGO has its own store. All products will be sold directly by the NGO, Ibtida will not produce or warehouse any of the products. However, Ibtida will keep a close eye on accounting, auditing, and marketing; fields that the NGOs cannot do by themselves. If investment is made, subsequent costs and maintenance can be managed by the NGOs themselves.
Sounds just about right, but where will the investment come from?Most endeavours get crippled at this stage. Hope Ibtida doesn’t; which is why we seek your support.This is Ibtida – this is the beginning !
Please show your support for this noble cause here :
https://www.bitgiving.com/project/index/id/BIT382
