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Tribute to women artisans in Bhutan

18 janvier 2022
ITC News

Royal Textile Academy exhibits limited editions from handicraft collections of women artisans.

With the ambition to promote indigenous raw materials and inspire the younger generation, a collection of fine handicraft cushion covers, throws, shawls and rugs was recently displayed at the Royal Textile Academy in Thimpu, Bhutan.

The exhibition, with the theme of  “Hingtham- weaving from the heart,” paid tribute to women preserving the art of weaving. Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck and Her Royal Highness  Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck opened the exhibition on 29 December 2021 and it  continued until 9 January 2022 for the general public.

More than 21 private designers, textile companies and civil society organizations, representing the work of 200 artisans, took this opportunity to showcase weaving skills and textiles at the exhibition.

The handicraft textile industry is an important pillar of Bhutanese culture. This heritage is passed from one generation to the next, particularly among women in rural areas,  where this skill is handed on from mother to daughter.

The sector employs about half of the country’s workforce, the majority of them being women who contribute to household incomes by selling their craft.

Held jointly by the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan and the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts, the exhibition was organized within the framework of the European Union funded, EU-Bhutan Trade Support project implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The project aims to diversify Bhutan’s exports by improving the national trade and investment regulatory framework and increase exports of horticulture products and textile handicrafts.

The ultimate objective of the project is to increase incomes along the two value chains in order to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction.