Happy new year! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted. I thought I’d start the new year off right by getting a post out. This time we visit a women’s co-op near Izmir, Turkey, one of dozens of co-ops in Turkey.
From my previous blog titled My Travel Loot #1| Project Ploughshare Women’s Pottery:
I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. Another thing I love to do is take home a piece of of that culture’s art. I don’t mean cheesy refrigerator magnets, or touristy souvenirs that are made in China, with the place’s name prominently displayed. If I were to show you my collection of travel artifacts, I would probably have to explain their origin to you.
When I can visit a program that helps disadvantaged people make a living by making that art, sign me up! I highly recommend that when you travel to other countries, that you check if there is a handicraft center that provides jobs to the disadvantaged. You just have to make sure the center has a good reputation and does not exploit it’s workers.
According to the Worldbank brief, Women’s Co-Operatives in Turkey: Success Stories (2018, link):
Women in Turkey have traditionally lagged in official participation in the country’s economy. According to TurkStats, the labour participation rate among women is only 31.5%
Thanks for dropping by! I hope that you enjoyed my travel photos and commentary, and will return for more travel content in the future.