HFK's Independent Basket Weavers' Cooperative

This talented group of artisans are mostly single mothers who collaborated together and formed the HFK Independent Basket Weavers' Cooperative. The resilience and determination to provide for their children can be seen in the detail and the beauty of what they make. Having an interest and aptitude for basket weaving these women have received advanced training and continue to refine their skills and reap the rewards of their hard work.

With a growing reputation for their beautiful handiwork, our women receive regular orders from different organizations and expatriates. They also sell their products direct to the consumer at HFK's Socio-Economic Empowerment Centre, and at international bazaars and craft markets in Addis Ababa. Women involved in this association have honed their basket weaving skills and carefully inspect the handiwork of prospective new members to ensure their group maintains a commitment to producing high quality artisan products.

This group of independent weavers represents just one of many income generating linkages we want our women to have. What started as artisanship skills has grown into a collective of hard working, independent artisans with their own forms of self-governing. HFK's role with the Independent Basket Weavers consists mainly of helping these women with marketing their products and building connections for them so that they have many opportunities to sell their work. It is such a privilege to watch our women thrive through this empowering process!

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