Empowering Refugee Artisans Through Fair Trade: Yadawee & MADE51
Discover how Yadawee and MADE51 empower over 100 refugee and local women artisans in Egypt through ethical inclusion, WFTO-compliant practices, and global market access. Explore their stories and handcrafted collections.
Amal, a Syrian artisan, smiling while standing at a sewing machine in Yadawee’s NilFurat workshop.
At Yadawee, our mission goes beyond creating beautiful, handcrafted textiles and décor. We are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of refugee artisans. Since joining the MADE51 programme, a UNHCR led initiative, in 2017, we have committed to ensuring ethical inclusion and economic empowerment for refugees in Egypt.
Since taking over the NilFurat Project in 2017, Yadawee has grown its artisan network to include over 100 women from Syria, Sudan and Yemen, alongside Egyptian counterparts in Cairo and Alexandria. By 2025, our team exceeds more than 30 women within the dedicated NilFurat hub, each one bringing a rich cultural tradition to every handcrafted piece.
Refugee artisans are at the heart of our mission. Lamia, a Syrian artisan, reflects on her work:
” I hope that whoever sees it, holds it or buys it … knows its value and how much effort was invested in it … above all that it’s made with love.”
Guided by the WFTO principles, we ensure fair pay, transparent production, capacity building and environmental stewardship. MADE51 amplifies these efforts by providing access to global markets and dignified income streams.
When you choose a Yadawee product, you support not only a unique design but a story of cultural resilience and ethical commerce.
Each handcrafted product is a testament to our shared commitment: quality craftsmanship, fair livelihoods and cultural celebration. By supporting refugee artisans, we enable them to rebuild their lives with pride and purpose.
Together, let’s create beauty woven with dignity and show the world that ethical inclusion empowers us all.