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PROGRAMS

Designs for a New Humanity:

Empowering Women Artisans in Myanmar and Afghanistan 

Blumera in collaboration with The Turquoise Mountain Trust

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Background

WFI is collaborating with Blumera and the Turquoise Mountain Trust to create a new collection of clothing, accessories, and home goods utilizing innovative upcycled materials while providing dignified employment to women – who are often peacebuilders – in conflict zones starting in Myanmar and Afghanistan. Inspired by the natural landscapes, the artisanal and architectural culture, and the spiritual essence of the regions, the creation of these collections will use native materials and traditional designs.  Commencing in Myanmar, WFI’s program ensures women artisans in the region receive fair and equitable compensation; have access to alternative and safe opportunities for employment; preserve their cultural and craft traditions; promote the work of these artisans locally and overseas; and give women a new voice in the peace process.

 

Deliverables & Impact:

This project will result in a collection of wearable works of art and support artistic, technical and economic opportunities, especially for female artisans, in which they can grow and rise in responsibility, income, skills, and management while transmitting beauty and love into the world.

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About Women Forward International (WFI):

With programs across four continents, Women Forward International (WFI) builds creative partnerships that bridge mind and heart to bring about unity, collaboration, and service to humanity. WFI pairs teams of graduate students with in-country organizations to complete action-oriented research and implement innovative solutions, making student research and innovation matter. WFI’s partnerships encompass a range of private sector, academic and non-profit clients to identify research critical to human progress. These projects include empowering women artisans in conflict zones, enabling sustainable farming with gender equity, and taking steps toward the elimination of hunger along with inclusive access to education through digital and other unique platforms. WFI also channels the transformative power of Art, when inspired with love, to bring about human unity. All research also goes to WFI’s chief partner, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), for a resource library of best practices.

For further information, please contact the Founder and President of WFI, Dr. Kent Davis-Packard: kent@womenforwardinternational.org

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Women Forward International is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation

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