AT A GLANCE
Partner since: 2020
Refugee origin: Syria, Afghanistan
Refugee location: Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Reyhanli
Partner location: Istanbul, Turkey
Bebemoss is a social enterprise based in Istanbul, Turkey that creates huggable toys using sustainable, eco-conscious practices. Every toy is crocheted by hand using certified organic cotton.
Bebemoss is dedicated to bringing dignified work to mothers in need, including both local Turkish women and refugees. The business is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization and verified social enterprise by the Social Enterprise World Forum. Bebemoss actively engages in advocacy in Turkey for women's rights, equality, and refugee integration.
Bebemoss empowers their artisans through training in artisan skills, as well as financial literacy, and actively works to get all new artisans bank accounts so they can more effectively control and manage the money they earn.
Refugee Artisan Group
A total of 40 Syrian and Afghan refugee women work with Bebemoss in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Reyhanli. Some of the refugee artisans were familiar with crochet before joining Bebemoss, as the craft is practiced in both Syria and Afghanistan. However, many were trained or up-skilled to produce toys to exact patterns. Most refugees artisans work from home, with a lead artisan coordinating the delivery of raw materials to the artisans and the finished products back to the Bebemoss studio.
It's really nice to work with refugee women here. I feel valuable.
