We may differ in our appearance, our culture and our language. But want we want from this world is the same: equality. These women are my sisters. Traveling through India is always colourful, confusing & overwhelming. With a huge difference in culture, appearances, language, food & daily rituals I never expected to feel connections as deep as what I have found. Dhonk - creation of craft for conservation. A centre focused on female empowerment to support the conservation of tigers in the Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India. A region where locals and internationals hunted tigers for medicinal purposes and for export. Ranthambore saw a rapid decline in the tiger population, and soon enough awareness spread about the negative impacts of poaching. The Tiger Conservation project targeted the matriarchal society towards tiger conservation and sustainability. But what about the women in this society? Were they to be left at home and on the sideline again? No. Thanks to Divya (Founder), Dhonk created equal working opportunities, a safe space and a centre focused on female empowerment. A huge step for Indian culture. As a Trip Manager in India, it is part of our scheduled itinerary to visit the Dhonk Centre, where we aim to raise awareness of our international travelers. We focus on discussing how the attitude towards women in India is changing and developing. By visiting the Dhonk Centre, our travelers can first hand see the importance of both tiger conservation and female empowerment. On arrival to the centre Divya introduces the social enterprise, as the guests enjoy complimentary chai and local Indian snacks. Others look around the workshop at the women and men sewing & block printing, and wander through the souvenir shop. During this time I engage in conversation with my guests, Divya and my local guide. On arrival my distinct appearance catches the eyes of the women of the Dhonk Centre, instantly their faces light up and all of a sudden I am surrounded by a sea of colourful saris. Smiling, laughing and chatting. I cannot understand a word of what they say but that is not important to us. Our connection runs deeper than the words which escape our lips. An understanding of background, cultural differences and acceptance is what we share. My local guide Ni2 does the translating when needed. With laughter echoing the centre, I was curious to know what had been said. The ladies began to plan my (Indian) arranged marriage with an eligible bachelor of the village. Highlighting his qualities but continuing to hysterically laugh - there was something they weren't telling me. Whispering secrets, their eyes full of tears of laughter, I stood there mesmerized by their happiness. The ladies who had so little in their lives, were filled with pure joy. Our friendships are ongoing. The more regularly I see the ladies the more I care for each of them. Finding out more about their stories and their journeys. Together we share our curiosity for each others lives. Questions flowing back and forth about social status, marriage, age, the meaning behind our tattoos, my dreadlocks, our clothes, my facial piercings, my family.. the list goes on. On New Years Day, I gave the ladies a tour of my tattoos all over my body. In awe of the peacocks on my back in traditional Yan style (Khmer culture) - also the national bird of India, the mandalas on my arms - seen in Hinduism and Buddhism & a face familiar to them. A huge thigh piece of the God - Kali. Symbolic of strength and destroyer of males. A powerful symbol to see as we stood in the Dhonk Centre - the home of female empowerment. It was at this moment I gained more respect from the women than I had before. I had one of their most powerful Gods tattooed on my thigh and I knew that our bond was stronger than ever. Allowing me to practice the traditional wood block printings, sit close by as they sewed, stand in their arms, or in complete silence. I didn't need to know what they were saying. Deep down I knew what they felt. I felt at ease. I felt at home. These women are my family. These women are my sisters.