We Want Keep Our Weavers
Gary Dicus, our founder, often voiced concern over the future of rug weavers and our business, weavers who have practiced their craft throughout the world for 1000s of years.
But now this craft is facing a threat to its existence and to rug production.
Standards of living are rising throughout the world and opportunities are awakening to people who up to now had very few prospects.
In places like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Turkey, people who would have been thrilled 25 years ago to weave rugs have other better-paying opportunities.
It’s getting harder to find and train committed rug weavers.
Will this millennials-old tradition survive as its artisans leave rug weaving to find easier work for more money?
No one forgets that at one time Europe had a vital hand-weaved rug industry.
Label STEP Is Upgrading Lives For Weavers
An organization called Label STEP works to assure many more years of quality weaving.
Label STEP is a non-governmental organization working in all major handmade rug and carpet producing countries.
It strives to enhance the lifestyle and working conditions of rug weavers.
Label STEP works to provide basic amenities that are not currently available to world rug weaving locations.
Education Comes to Weavers 'Children
For example, Label STEP has partnered with UNICEF to provide better educational opportunities to rug-weaving families.
- In Afghanistan, Label STEP has provided scholarships to over 1,000 children of rug weavers.
- In Nepal, Label STEP has trained over 100 teachers in rural schools.
- In India, Label STEP has supported over 50 schools in rural communities that provide a quality education to the children of rug weavers.
Many rug weavers are parents and parents are happier knowing that their children are in school and learning.
Weaver Ergonomic Improvements
Worker satisfaction also increases with comfort. Label STEP enhances rug factory ergonomics. For example:
- Provides adjustable looms: Adjustable looms allow weavers to adjust the height of the loom to their comfort level. This can help to reduce back pain and other injuries.
Ergonomic chairs: Ergonomic chairs provide support for the back and neck, which can help to reduce pain and fatigue.
Brightly lit rug factory with ergonomically optimized vertical looms.
And More
Among other benefits, Label STEP seeks to bring to rug-weavers:
- Increased income: Label STEP helps weavers to increase their income by providing them with training and access to new markets.
- Improved working conditions: Label STEP works to improve the working conditions of weavers by providing them with access to safe and healthy workplaces. This has helped to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Increased social and environmental sustainability. This includes supporting fair labor practices and protecting the environment.
Hand-knotted rugs are a top-shelf brand. We need skilled, satisfied weavers to keep them that way.
Information and images courtesy of Label STEP.