Dhaka Handicrafts is an independent organization designed to assist impoverished rural artisans in Bangladesh to attain self-sufficiency, and at the same time to encourage and market traditional craftsmanship. Dhaka offers a variety of benefits to its 3200 producers and their families, including interest-free advances on orders for the purchase of raw materials, a retirement savings plan, health care, training, and equal pay and benefits for women. Started as a project of Enfants du Monde, a Swiss development organization, Dhaka is now an artisan-owned organization, and the artisans participate in the decision making of the organization.
With over 30 years of experience, Dhaka is one of the largest craft producing and exporting organizations in Bangladesh set up for the benefit of traditional crafts makers. Their specialty is woven baskets from natural fibers, and terracotta pottery. SERRV has worked with Dhaka since 1984.
Download a printable color artisan story about Dhaka.
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