Empowering Single Women Warriors: Daroonjinish at the Status Single Event

Sharing Strength and Solidarity: We at Daroonjinish recently had the privilege of sponsoring a landmark Status Single event in Kolkata – a gathering dedicated to celebrating women who have overcome tremendous odds. The event, supported by the Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata, brought together diplomats, authors, social media influencers, women activists, and more in a show of solidarity. It wasn’t just another meet-up; it was a celebration of heritage under a global spotlight – where craftsmanship met community, and commerce intertwined with compassion. Our handcrafted Sabai grass baskets and Dokra art pieces took center stage not merely as products but as symbols of purpose, underscoring that business and benevolence can go hand in hand. In recognizing the struggles and achievements of remarkable women, the atmosphere buzzed with a shared mission: to honor those “breaking many glass ceilings and walking their own path with dignity and pride” despite societal biases.

 

Community members and dignitaries at the Status Single event in Kolkata, where Daroonjinish’s handcrafted pieces became part of a larger conversation about empowerment and compassion.

What Is “Status Single” and Who Is Sreemoyee Piu Kundu?

At the heart of this event is Status Single – India’s first and only community for urban single women. Founded by author and columnist Sreemoyee Piu Kundu after the success of her 2018 bestseller Status Single, the community was born out of a pressing need to give single women a voice and a support system. Sreemoyee’s book itself broke new ground as a seminal work on female identity in a society where marriage and motherhood are often seen as the ultimate validations for women. She understood firsthand the challenges single women face – from seeing her widowed mother ostracized by regressive traditions to experiencing “single-shaming” in a hospital when questioned why she was alone. Determined to change the narrative, Sreemoyee transformed Status Single from a book into a movement.

A Growing Sisterhood: What began as a Facebook group of a few hundred has blossomed into a formidable sisterhood of over 4,000 members, spanning multiple cities and even continents. In fact, the first offline meet-up of Status Single was held in Kolkata in October 2021, marking the start of an ever-expanding series of chapter events. Today, Status Single operates chapters in at least 9 Indian cities – including Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and more – with international chapters in places like Dubai and Canada on the horizon. This rapid growth speaks to the sheer number of women seeking such community. In India alone, there are an estimated 74.1 million single women – about 39% of the country’s female population – including women who are unmarried, divorced, widowed, or single mothers. Each has her own story, yet they share common battles against stigma and bias.

Importantly, Status Single is more than just a social network – it’s a safe space and support system where “single women act as pillars of strength for each other”. As one member aptly put it, the community is a tribe that genuinely believes in supporting and complementing other women. From practical advice (legal, financial, medical) to a shoulder to lean on, the members rally around each other through life’s ups and downs. The camaraderie is evident in every meet-up and online chat – it’s about sisterhood, not solitude.

Celebrating Courage: Highlights from the Kolkata Event

The Kolkata event we sponsored was a powerful testament to what Status Single stands for. It was all about the ladies – particularly those women who have been victims of domestic violence, emotional abuse, societal prejudice, or other hardships, and yet refused to be defeated. Many of the participants and honorees had weathered storms that would break most people, emerging on the other side as successful warriors. The gathering felt part inspiration forum, part victory party – a place where survival stories were not just shared but applauded.

An inspiring gathering of single women and their allies in Kolkata, sharing stories, laughter, and hard-won wisdom at the Status Single event.

One of the most moving aspects of the event was hearing personal stories of resilience. For instance, the community often spotlights women like Ms. Dipta Ghosh, who spoke at a recent Kolkata meet-up. Dipta is a young woman who defied expectations by becoming one of the city’s few female cab drivers – an engineer by training who chose the driver’s seat to support her family and her own independence. After her father’s sudden death during the pandemic, Dipta’s widowed mother encouraged her to take up this unconventional profession, even teaching her to drive when needed. It wasn’t easy – Dipta recalls facing plenty of raised eyebrows and sexist remarks once she hit the road. Some female passengers would pointedly ask why someone “so qualified” was driving a cab, while some male riders insisted on sitting in the front as if to challenge her space. She dealt with roadside harassment and the lack of basic facilities for women drivers. Yet, despite all the hardships, she stands proud. Dipta shared that she loves being her own boss – she can set her hours, avoid difficult superiors – and she dreams of starting a fleet of taxis run by women drivers one day. Her story earned a rousing applause and left many in the room feeling hopeful and motivated. “A big salute to the boss lady,” wrote one attendee about Dipta, “who I am sure will inspire a lot of young women to dream of unconventional professions like her.”

Dipta’s tale is just one example. Throughout the event, there were numerous faces of fortitude: women who survived abusive marriages and built new lives; single mothers who put their kids through college on a single income; professionals who shattered glass ceilings at work despite gender bias; even survivors of horrific violence like acid attacks who have become advocates for others. In fact, the Status Single Awards 2024 (held earlier at The Park, Kolkata) honored 12 such inspiring single women from diverse walks of life. Among the awardees was a doctor who helps other women overcome infertility and cancer (Dr. Indrani Lodh), and a social worker who has devoted herself to aiding acid attack survivors, sex workers, the differently abled, orphans, and other marginalized groups (Debjani Ghosh of Alok Foundation). Their acceptance speeches were as enlightening as they were emotional. As Sreemoyee Piu Kundu herself concluded on that awards night, “in recognising the achievements and struggles of these 12 remarkable single women… we prove that single women – often stereotyped, slut shamed, made to fight housing discrimination, marital pressures and workplace biases – are breaking many glass ceilings and walking their own path with dignity and pride.” That triumphant spirit filled the air in the Kolkata chapter event as well.

What made the gathering especially heartwarming was seeing allies from different genders and backgrounds stand up for the cause. The presence of the Australian Consul-General, for example, underscored that this is an issue of global importance – women’s empowerment transcends borders. Local authors and influencers mingled with grassroots activists and survivors themselves. There was a sense that everyone had come to listen, learn, and lend their voice to the movement. Amidst the serious conversations were also moments of levity and celebration: friends hugging in support, group selfies of smiling faces, and a collective cheer each time a woman said, “I fought back and I won.” The event truly embodied the phrase “Stronger Together.” By the end of the day, many attendees remarked how energizing it was to be in a room full of people who believe in the strength of women.

Daroonjinish – Weaving Empowerment into Our Journey

Why did a handicraft brand like Daroonjinish choose to sponsor and participate in this event? Simply put, empowering women and uplifting communities is woven into the very fabric of our mission. From day one, our journey has never been just about selling products – it’s always been about people. We are passionate about preserving Bengal’s rich craft heritage, but equally passionate about using art as a force for good. As we often say at Daroonjinish, “what we create with our hands can heal hearts, uplift lives, and restore forgotten hopes. True beauty lies in the impact we leave behind.” These aren’t just words to us – they guide every project we undertake.

Sponsoring the Status Single event was, therefore, a natural extension of our ethos. We recognize that behind each of our beautiful Sabai grass baskets is a craftswoman’s hard work – often a rural woman artisan supporting her family. Women’s empowerment is at the core of our enterprise, both in who makes our products and whom we choose to support. By standing with Sreemoyee Piu Kundu’s initiative, we wanted to salute those brave women who turned their pain into power and made a mark on the world. We also wanted to show that the business community values their courage. When our team set up our stall at the event, it wasn’t just a showcase of eco-friendly handicrafts – it was a statement that commerce can have a conscience. As one report described, our handcrafted creations took center stage not just as items to buy, but as symbols of purpose. Visitors who explored our handwoven baskets at the venue became part of something deeper: a movement to turn artisanal pride into tangible social impact.

Importantly, Daroonjinish believes in giving back. We channel a portion of our proceeds towards causes that matter. In the past, our exhibitions have helped fund meals, education, and healthcare for underprivileged children – from supporting Udayan in Kolkata (a home for children affected by leprosy) to contributing to St. Jude ChildCare Centres for families battling childhood cancer. By aligning with Status Single, we are extending that circle of compassion to the arena of women’s empowerment as well. It’s our way of saying that when you support Daroonjinish, you are also supporting the fighters, the survivors, and the change-makers. Every Sabai basket woven, every Dokra clasp polished carries more than just culture – it carries compassion. Each time someone chooses our products, they become part of a ripple effect of change – preserving tradition, empowering women, supporting education, and more.

Going forward, we are committed to nurturing this partnership of purpose. We hope to collaborate on more chapters of the Status Single journey and similar initiatives that uplift women and girls. Whether it’s through sponsoring events, sharing our platform to amplify voices, or simply being present to cheer on these warriors, Daroonjinish will continue to stand for respect, equality, and togetherness. After all, art is not just a reflection of culture – it’s a force that shapes it. And at Daroonjinish, we choose to shape a world that’s more just, more kind, and more connected.

Crafting a Better Tomorrow – Together

In conclusion, the Kolkata Status Single event was more than an evening of talks; it was a movement of hearts. We witnessed the indomitable spirit of women who, despite the odds, have reclaimed their lives. They are warriors in every sense of the word, and their stories reinforce why it’s crucial for all of us to support such causes.

Daroonjinish is deeply honored to have been a part of this inspiring chapter. It affirmed our belief that business can be a catalyst for social change. By sponsoring and participating in this cause, we weren’t just contributing funds or showcasing products – we were declaring our solidarity with every woman who has had to fight for her dignity and dreams.

 

Together, let’s continue to uplift these voices and weave a brighter, more equitable future – one handcrafted act of kindness at a time.