Ivui Weavers, Kenya
Established in 1990, Ivui Weavers is a women's co-operative group located near Kitui in Kenya. The group produce a range of sisal baskets which are all handmade at the homes of 14 weavers. Income from the weaving helps supplement income generated from subsistence farming in the locality.
Some of the Ivui weavers with finished produce.The sisal is collected by the women and weaved at home in the evenings. The small baskets can take up to 2.5 days to complete while the larger alternatives take four days. The weavers are paid per basket completed and are provided with the raw materials and design templates. This relaxed arrangement provides flexibility to the daily work schedule for all the weavers who are also busy providing food and water to the household and also valuable assistance in working the land.
Other raw materials used by the weavers includes banana fibres, leather and natural dyes.
Each basket has the weavers name attached to identify the producer which helps the payment process.
Rolling the sisal in preparation for basket weaving.The income generated by the weavers has made a significant impact on household income while also highlighting the success of a dedicated and determined group of women to enhance skills and wellbeing in the community.