There is a story of an aspiring woman behind every product. Under the most difficult circumstances, their ability to develop beautiful indigenous products results in support for local culture while providing an essential source of income they can control. When you purchase these beautiful products, you empower women from around the world to realize their potential and dignity. www.u4cfairtradestore.com ·
In 2019, Ximena Murillo (United4Change Center’s CEO), Kum Gurung, Joanne Elvy (Rotary Peace Fellows) and Ramkali Khadka (Women's Skills Development Organization, WSDO's Executive Director) agreed to work together to support women in Pokhara, Nepal in the commercialization of their products in the United States. These products are certified by the World Fair Trade Organization.
Kum Gurung, Joanne Elvy, Ramkali Khadka and Ximena Murillo (left to right) in 2018
Ramkali Khadka, Maria A Pérez and Kum Gurung (left to right) in 2023
About U4C FairTrade Store
U4C FairTrade Store is a platform launched by United4Change Center (U4C), an award-winning not-for-profit international organization, based in the United States, promoting social justice and peace by empowering women and youth to be agents of change in their communities.
The U4C FairTrade Store promotes high-quality products made by women. We work and partner with womenowned micro-enterprises, cooperatives and artisans from around the world.
About our Products
U4C facilitates skills and entrepreneurship training for women and supports the creation, implementation, and sustainability of their micro-enterprises by providing a platform to promote their handmade products to global markets.
U4C works with women-owned micro-enterprises, cooperatives and artisans around the world: Bolivia, Colombia, Kenya, Tanzania and Nepal. Products include Alpaca products, clutches, purses, bags, scarf necklaces and toys like elephants and giraffes.
About WSDO
The Women’s Skills Development Organization (WSDO) is a non-profit Fair Trade organization, based in Pokhara, Nepal, that has been working since 1975 to empower women who face difficult and significant social and economic hardships—being differently abled, abused, widowed, divorced, single, orphaned or marginalized castes.
As a Fair Trade organization, WSDO ensures fair wages and production processes that minimize environmental impacts by using local and raw materials and eco-friendly dyes.
Products sold in Houston, Texas United States
the Baby Elephant
The "Bhāgya" Baby Elephant has a special two-color design combining the colors Beige and Blue. "Bhāgya" means Luck in Nepalí.
An elephant symbolizes strength, good luck, and harmony in your life. Get lucky with "Bhāgya"!
Size: 8' x 5.5'
Made in Pokhara, Nepal. Pokhara WomenSkills Development Center.
"Bhāgya" means Luck in Nepalí.
the Baby Giraffe
"Śhānti" the Baby Giraffe has a unique colorful design with these different colors: Mustard, beige, dark pink, green, light pink, and brown.
The Giraffe symbolizes a long distance between the head and the heart. It also means strength, peace, and protection. Lift your Spirit with "Śānti"!
Size: 6' x 11'
Made in Pokhara, Nepal. Pokhara WomenSkills Development Center.
Śhānti" means Peace in Nepalí.
Weaving in Nepal
In the region of Pokhara, where WSDO is based, the slopes of the Annapurna Mountain Range, live Gurung, whose cultural traditions incorporate elements both Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan origins. The Gurung were traditionally herdsmen, but in the early 20th century they became skilled agriculturists and reputed soldiers (Gurkhas). The continued employment of Ghurka soldiers in the Nepalese, Indian, British and Brunei military been a valuable source of income for the community smaller but longer established source of income was, continues to be, based on the extraordinary skill Gurung weavers who most likely started the textile in Nepal. They are famous for their traditional blankets (Radi), which are still valuable trade items
Back Strap Loom Weaving
The backstrap loom, common among the Gurung and used by the women of WSDO, is thought to be the oldest form of loom in the world. The primary feature of the backstrap loom, an entirely non-mechanized instrument, is that the lengthwise threads (warp) are secured from a post or other stationary object to a backstrap that a woman wears around her waist. By moving her body, the woman can control the amount of tension in the warp threads throughout the weaving process. To weave, the threads are stretched in a horizontal direction and a means is provided so that the threads are separated into two or more parts. A width-ways thread (weft) is then drawn through, and inserted over and under the warp threads. The warp threads can then be reversed and a weft thread passed through again. By repeating this process, the fabric is woven creating a strong and tightly bound cloth that allows a remarkable variety of beautifully inlaid designs.
a. warp bar; b. shed rod; c. heddle rod; d. sword; e. bobbin; f. backstrap; g. warp lashing; h. heading string; i. lease cord; j. leash cord; k. warp; l. weft
Natural Dyes
"The
colors for our Natural Dyeing products come from the nature of Nepal.
These colors are very soft and warm. Thus, you will feel the warmth when you choose our natural products".
Sustainable Allo Fiber
"Allo, also known as Himalayan giant nettle, grows naturally in Nepal between the altitudes of 1500 and 3000 meters. The strong fiber from this plant becomes soft, supple, and ready to be spun into yarn after many rounds of washing. "-WSDO
Principles Of Fair Trade
U4C has partnered with WSDO because of its outstanding commitment to women empowerment and fair trade. "Fair Trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, seeking greater equity in international trade. WSDO was a founding member of Fair Trade Group Nepal. WSDO has also been a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) since 2003. . "
