Mahila Bunkar Sahakari Samiti

This group of artisans creates some of our home décor items as well as some of our bags. The cooperative aims to organize the weavers of different villages in western Uttar Pradesh, and to train women with marketable skills. To date, more than 242 women artisans are working with this organization, who originally belong to the Schedule caste and the Schedule tribe community (a discarded community of ancient India).

Many artisans in this region have been forced to leave their traditional jobs because of the commercialization of their land and its natural resources. It is not uncommon for private or public organizations to seize land for “development”. Many artisans experience a transformation from an entirely rural society to an urban, industrialized society. This means that men cannot have a steady and regular job, therefore women must also work to sustain the family. On top of this, women are also given the job to preserve their traditions, including arts and crafts.

Thanks to Fair Trade, these artisans have been able to organize themselves and help each other gain the skills necessary to operate sewing machines and looms. They are also given training in different art forms so that they are empowered with knowledge to be able to work for a long time. At the same time, as a group they are able to monitor the quality of their products, and ensure that everyone receives a fair wage and works under a safe environment.

For a complete list of the products made by this group, please see below:

$ 8.00

Candy Placemats

These place mates are made by weaving thick and thin cotton yarns on a hand loom. This gives them a special texture and feel. They come in sets of 4 mats.

This is a fair trade product handmade in India. The artisans that make them are compensated fairly for their...

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$ 16.00

Handloom Placemats

These placemats are made by weaving cotton yarn on hand looms using different colored yarn. The patterns are woven into the fabrics, so the pattern looks the same on both sides. Sold as a set of 4 mats with 4 napkins.

Artisans who work on this item receive a fair...

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$ 8.00

Multi-Stripe Runner

This table runner is made by interlacing natural grass with threads. The entire process is hand done.

This is a Fair Trade product handmade by artisans in India. The artisans that make this product are compensated fairly for their work. They are also given development help so they can help...

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