HANDS OF CREATIVITY: ETHIOPIA

Woven Promises produces the beautiful throws you see as part of this collection.  Sabahar, Woven Promises' Fair Trade Ethiopian partner, introduced eri silk to Ethiopia in 2004. They promote fair trade silk production in Ethiopia while increasing reliable, sustainable income for households and skilled artisans.

Ethiopia is the 6th poorest country in the world and finding employment is extremely difficult in the capital city of Addis Ababa where Sabahar is located. Artisans working with Sabahar feel they are working amidst an oasis of stability in an otherwise harsh existence. Sabahar employs over 70 spinners, dyers, weavers and finishers ranging in age from 20 to 63 years old.  

The artisans feel their work is meaningful and brings hope to their futures, allowing for growth, security and advancement in their lives--that's Sabahar and Woven Promises' goal in working with these artisans.

They are able to support their families through creating these handmade and fair trade woven goods and are given access to health care, transportation and a savings account. They feel secure, happy and acknowledged by the generous attitude of their employer and surroundings where they work. Equitable employment and environmentally friendly production and processing practices are values central to Sabahar and Woven Promises. 

To find out more about the processes in which Sabahar produces their products, watch the video below and visit Woven Promises' site.