Local Women’s Handicrafts (LWH) is a fair trade textile and handicraft collective in Kathmandu.
LWH focuses on empowering and educating disadvantaged and marginalised women, using sustainable methods. All products are ethically produced, providing fair wages and working conditions for the women who make them. Their social business programs seek to uplift women, their children and their communities.
Each woman at LWH participates in a training program for an average of 12 months. Participants can choose which skills they want to pursue. These skills include design, sewing, weaving, embroidery, knitting, jewellery making and pattern work. While in training each woman receives a stipend.
With its dedicated and passionate team, LWH has established a vibrant collective that has trained and employed hundreds of women. With their new skills, a stipend and 12 months in a safe community, women are empowered to progress in their lives.
LWH’s vision is of a world where women are leaders in their communities, they are in control of their own lives, their own rights, and their own decisions.
LWH adheres to 10 principles of fair trade. You can find the list here.