About Our Work

The word Ibu means “a woman of respect.” The Ibu Movement partners with women around the world disrupting poverty and fashioning change through the art of their hands.

OUR MISSION IS TO EXPAND MARKETS FOR GLOBAL WOMEN ARTISANS, AND HELP BUILD THEIR CAPACITY FOR SUCCESS WITH STRUCTURAL ENHANCEMENTS SUCH AS WORKSPACE AND TRAINING.

Our work focuses on four strategies for change:

MARKET PLACE
Providing a marketplace for women's artisanal goods is our most effective tool for elevating women out of poverty and into a position of sovereignty over their lives. Ibu collaborates with groups to design unique products, celebrating heritage and sustainable techniques of each culture and cooperative—making up about half of our offerings. We also buy directly from artisan groups quality products they have designed, making up the other half. 

CAPACITY BUILDING
Strengthening the internal structure of women's artisan groups is a significant contribution to their growth and success.Through capacity-building grants, the Ibu Movement provides necessary resources, such as updated equipment, quality supplies, new and renovated workspaces, and training sessions.

EDUCATION
One of the most valuable contributions of the Ibu Movement is dismantling the perception that a product handmade by a woman in the developing world should be cheap (whereas, by contrast, an artisanal craft item made by a man in Europe infers it should be expensive). Telling the stories of our artisan partners in a new way engenders a deep appreciation for the often-overlooked skills handed down by women for generations.

ARTISAN ENGAGEMENT
Facilitating authentic relationships between artisans and Ibu allies—through interactive trips, speaking engagements, workshops, and design collaborations with artisan partners—builds connection and respect. 

 

THE TEAM

 

Staff members Sarah Blanford: Sales Manager email at sarah@ibumovement.org, Hannah Blatt Director of Artisan Support email at hannah@ibumovement.org, Meredith Gale Director of Creative Collaborations email at meredith@ibumovement.org

The Ibu Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors

EIN: 27-4660946


THE BOARD