RESILIENT THREADS OF MANCHAR LAKE: CRAFT-BASED PARTICIPATORY ART AS A VEHICLE FOR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STORYTELLING IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pakistan's biggest freshwater lake, "Manchar", is facing serious ecological degradation over the past few decades because of industrial pollution, agricultural run-off and alteration in the hydrological regimes of the lake. This has led to a drop in water quality and biodiversity and has had a marked impact on the livelihoods and culture of the indigenous fishing community (Mohana), who are closely tied to the lake. Some of the most affected are Mohana women, whose traditional skills of ralli patchwork, quilting and crochet have been a part of household livelihood and the preservation of the knowledge of the traditions.

The paper introduces a conceptual research framework for Resilient Threads of Manchar Lake, a participatory, place-based art installation that involved local craft skills and environmental narratives. Guided by the concepts of participatory design, socially engaged work, eco-art and women empowerment, the project aimed to shift the role of community members from recipients to co-creators. The design utilised reclaimed timber, handmade textiles, and ceramic accents to convey the ecological narrative around Manchar Lake, while also honouring the strength and ability of the artisans in the local community. In contrast to standard empirical results, the study herein offers a research-through-design model to show how collaboration in artistic practice can help to advance women's empowerment, environmental awareness, community engagement and cultural maintenance at the same time. The framework also discusses ethical aspects, community ownership, and sustainability, providing a model that can be implemented in other communities with environmentally critical heritage