The idea behind our products is to combine traditional handicraft techniques used in Kosovo, such as crocheting, with innovative and environmentally-friendly materials. Looking at the amount of waste, especially plastic bags, that litter the streets and parks in Mitrovicë/a, the women felt that by ‘recycling’ these bags they could make their own small contribution to a cleaner city and inspire oth
er people to think about the environment. Our products are available for sale on www.vullnetiigrave.com. Following the war in 1999, the women and their families spent years in in displacement and endured difficult living conditions in IDP camps. In 2009 the women and their families were finally able to return to Roma Mahalla. However, they face a challenging economic situation made worse by social marginalization and interrupted education due to war and displacement. This women’s economic and social empowerment initiative is part of the Social Business Incubator established under the ‘Stabilisation of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica’ funded by Sida and implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). Read more about DRC’s work in Roma Mahalla and Kosovo here: www.drc-kosovo.org
