The Equatorial Guinea Artisanal Program
The Equatorial Guinea Artisanal Program was created with the goal of empowering women in small coastal communities by providing a novel and sustainable source of income. Increased economic opportunity promotes gender equality and increased access to the economic, educational, and health benefits that accompany sustainable development. As a result, women and girls able to more actively choose their own cultural roles and define how they are viewed in society. In addition to fostering gender equality this program decreases the reliance of local villagers on dwindling wildlife resources, such as taking turtles and eggs from the nesting beaches.
Jewelry making techniques are taught in workshops led by trained Equato-Guineans and international volunteers. Women from the villages of Iduma, Handje, and Ndote on mainland Equatorial Guinea, and the village of Ureca, on Bioko Island, produce jewelry year round for sale locally and internationally. Colorful paper beads are made from recycled magazines. These beads are then used to craft beautiful and environmentally friendly jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. All of the materials that these artisans use for crafting their wares are available in Equatorial Guinea, which makes it possible for the artisans to independently sustain their jewelry production businesses and for the program to be maintained entirely in country.
By increasing women's access to sustainable income streams, the Equatorial Guinea Artisanal Program empowers women to actively participate in defining their own roles in their households, in their communities, and in society. The valuable business skills learned through this program can be applied to many aspects of life and help women living in these coastal villages support their families in perpetuity.
Jewelry making techniques are taught in workshops led by trained Equato-Guineans and international volunteers. Women from the villages of Iduma, Handje, and Ndote on mainland Equatorial Guinea, and the village of Ureca, on Bioko Island, produce jewelry year round for sale locally and internationally. Colorful paper beads are made from recycled magazines. These beads are then used to craft beautiful and environmentally friendly jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. All of the materials that these artisans use for crafting their wares are available in Equatorial Guinea, which makes it possible for the artisans to independently sustain their jewelry production businesses and for the program to be maintained entirely in country.
By increasing women's access to sustainable income streams, the Equatorial Guinea Artisanal Program empowers women to actively participate in defining their own roles in their households, in their communities, and in society. The valuable business skills learned through this program can be applied to many aspects of life and help women living in these coastal villages support their families in perpetuity.
Where to Buy!We are proudly partnering with local businesses in Equatorial Guinea and boutique shops in the United States to share the beautiful work of these women artists and raise awareness about sea turtle and wildlife conservation in Bioko and around the world.
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