Women Artisan Cooperatives in Niger

Exciting news....the “Metier Chance Vivre,” (Chance for Life) Artisan Embroidery Cooperative has begun working with a tailor local to the Agadez region, Aja.  Aja will create the scarves, tote bags, and other sown items for the women to embroider on a separate piece of fabric that is later incorporated in the final product, allowing the members to create more items in a shorter period of time.  Aja has rare experience with western markets, with a good grasp of the standards of work quality as well as fashion ideas. She will be further instructing the women on modern design techniques, combining them with the Wodaabe centuries old embroidery traditions, increasing the value and beauty of their finished products. 

Women tailors are very unusual in Niger, it is an area of work most often reserved solely for men. RAIN is proud to now be facilitating the all-women artisan enterprise true to the inspiration of our original vision for the program. 

New developments are happening in addition to new products - discussions are underway about the cooperative members to possibly work with a well known designer in Niger.  RAIN staff is also actively seeking out local markets for sale of the co-operative products, as well as facilitating the process for the artisans to become members of Niger’s national alliance of craftswomen. 

All these efforts are with the goal of enhancing the co-operatives’ visibility and development as artisans, not only to generate income for themselves and their children’s schools, but towards building new livelihoods, which will continue to benefit their lives and the community for years to come.

We continue to be heartened and impressed by these women’s resolve, hard work, and talent......Bravo, Metier Chance Vivre Co-operative!

If you have interest in purchasing tote bags or other items from the co-operative, email Julia at julia@rain4sahara.org.

Links:

• RAIN Website