AT A GLANCE
Partner since: 2020
Refugee origin: Myanmar
Refugee location: Thailand
Motivated by the vision of a world where women and their children are free to exercise their human rights to live peacefully in a just, humane and equitable society, the Women’s Education for Advancement and Empowerment (WEAVE) Foundation is committed to enabling women and their communities to become socially, economically and politically empowered. WEAVE was founded in 1990. The Foundation is committed to gender equality and in the empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized indigenous women, their children and communities in Thailand, Myanmar and some regions in Asia. It is an active member of the Committee for Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT) and of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).
Refugee Artisan Group
WEAVE collaborates with Karen refugees living in Thailand. Currently, the artisan group consists of 37 women based in Ban Mai Nai Soi refugee camp and Ban Mae Surin camp on the Thai-Myanmar border. These artisans create handwoven and dyed accessories, scarves, bags and blankets. The backstrap loom weaving techniques used to make these items is a heritage skill that has been used for generations to make fine textiles. Women also hand-dye and spin their threads using traditional techniques.
Looking back at the 25 years, I realized that despite the poverty and marginalization, I remain standing and committed to give my children a better life because of their love and care. They are growing up respectful and responsible and I know that they will take good care of us when our strength will no longer allow us to work.
