What started off as an ethical way to meet the growing demand for my work, has turned into a life changing project with the capability of empowering a small group of women oppressed by gender inequality, social constraints, child marriage, lack of education, or abject poverty.
Partnering with Mehera Shaw Foundation, a member of the Fair Trade Federation, I am working on launching an upcycling project with women from urban slum areas in Jaipur India.
It is a project that will empower these women - most of whom are mothers themselves - helping to give them confidence and skills which will put the economic power back in their hands, and help reduce their dependence on men.
The pieces will be made from organic cotton and silk garment production scraps from Mehera Shaw’s Fair Trade manufacturing line, helping to convert their left over materials in to products of better quality and environmental value - something I am very passionate about.
The women are enthusiastic and talented, and have already begun to learn the skills and techniques required to make my pieces.
Like all Monkey & Mum pieces, the necklaces will be hand sewn, which is great for these women because it means a lot of them can work from home, needing nothing more than a needle and thread.
I am hoping that this range will be ready for release in the next six months.
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