Bawa Hope

Bawa Hope is a Fair-Trade company that works with marginalized handicraft artisans in Kenya who produce jewelry, wood products, and handbags. Many of the artisans work in rural and slum communities; they do not want sympathy or charity—but an opportunity to access and compete in global markets.  Bawa seeks to use enterprise as a tool not only for empowering marginalized artisans but safeguarding the environment. Women artisans, living in informal settlements, see value in many of the things that we throw away! They create bags using sisal, which occurs in abundance, and waste banana fiber to create attractive and functional accessories. Bawa Hope works with a pool of consultants that train on life skills and ensure Fair Trade compliance.  Bawa Hope is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.