Description
WomenCraft Woven Basket Black
WomenCraft is a social enterprise and member of the World Fair Trade Organization working with more than 300 artisans in 17 villages in Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. WomenCraft consists of 24 artisan groups, which include former refugee women, survivors of genocide, and HIV-positive artisans. Many of these displaced artisans have been living in refugee camps for decades. Previously, several of the women were once struggling subsistence farmers. And many of the artisans assume the responsibility of caring for HIV orphans; they are the surviving children of extended family members who lost their battle to AIDS. With WomenCraft, the artisans can increase their crop yield while having a work-family life balance, send their children to school, and provide better nutrition and healthcare.
WomenCraft measures its positive impact on the artisans’ quality of life. For instance, the organization’s 2016 Social Impact Assessment found that 81 percent of the artisans started new business ventures using their weaving income, and 82 percent reported improved equality and respect with their spouses. The positive impacts of a sustainable income expand to families and entire communities. We are so proud to partner with such an effective social enterprise offering beautiful handmade home décor.
WomenCraft is a community-driven social enterprise operating from Ngara, Tanzania, within the hills of Mafiga Matatu, a remote tri-border region between Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. Their mission is to increase economic opportunity in the post-conflict, tri-border area by bringing rural women together, facilitating their growth, and connecting their artistry to the global marketplace.
WomenCraft employs more than 300 skilled Tanzanian, Burundian, and Rwandan women. By reviving their cultural craft and connecting their products with global markets, WomenCraft has helped artisans to advance themselves, raise stronger families, stimulate their local economies, and inspire the world around them.
Womencraft’s range of natural, hand-made products preserves cultural traditions as well as the local environment. The grasses and banana stalk used in production are cultivated locally and fabrics are purchased at local markets. WomenCraft revives the importance of basket weaving in the area by enabling women to pass on the basket weaving tradition to their daughters as an income-generating opportunity.
