RECYCLED CHANGE PURSE

The Lahu Women's Organization (LWO) was formed in 1997 by a group of refugees who had fled to Thailand to escape persecution by the Burmese government. The mission of LWO is to empower Lahu women to take leadership roles in politics, education, health and the community. LWO provides training in income generation and office management, and then creates employment opportunities for women to use these skills. The LWO also offers youth education services, including an orphanage center, and teacher training workshops. LWO creates and distributes the Lahu Women Journal in Burmese and Lahu language in an effort to preserve Lahu culture and improve literacy rates. LWO trains displaced Lahu refugees in HIV/AIDS prevention and also documents cases of human rights violations, particularly those involving human trafficking and gender-based violence.

LWO is one of 12 member organizations of the Borderline Women's Collective, which provides a space for artists and artisans from local community-based organizations to collectively market and promote their handmade products. Borderline Women's Collective also offers internships and workshops for artisans to develop skills in enterprise management and marketing strategies.

Fair Trade Products: Global Goods Partners