BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture African Culture Supporting/Partnering w African Women's Businesses

Hi!/Hujambo! After living in Kenya and traveling through much of East/Central Africa I returned to the US to begin a Fair Trade business importing/reselling unusual crafts and textiles (manufactured and handwoven) from those areas. My business is esp. interested in working with women's self-help groups and crafts co-operatives from East/Central Africa but am having great difficulty making connections and finding reliable partners. Also hesitant to contact government offices (who always want a little more "chai" than they deserve), so remain stumped on other routes to pursue. Any ideas or suggestions?

is your business actually registered as fair trade - if you are then the charity OXFAM which spearheaded the fair trade campaign should be able to help you find reliable partners.