Update

Lots has been going on here at CSU and at Dhaka Weaves. Stacey and I are extremely busy with school and work, but we have managed to have a couple of sales, thanks to all who have shown their additional support! We have almost broke even, which means we will start putting the money aside so we can send it back to Dhaka Weaves.

I have been in touch with Mohini quite a bit lately and just recently heard from Rita. The good news is that Dhaka Weaves is still in business! I have connected them with a woman who is going to Nepal and is interested in buying their products for a group called, Empower Dalit Women of Nepal (EDWON).

Apparently the organization works with so-called 'untouchable' women in rural areas. Through self-help groups, microfinance activity and education, EDWON seeks to empowers women economically and socially. It seems like a really neat organization. Where Dhaka Weaves comes in, is that EDWON raises money here, in the US, through private donations and through selling crafts from Nepal. The women they work with directly make only a few products. So they are looking for other women’s groups who make products that will sell and that they can support. Dhaka Weaves is a really great fit and this relationship could be very beneficial for both groups.

The situation in Nepal has not gotten any better, in fact it has gotten a little worse. From what I understand the minimum wage has increased 40% and the weavers are demanding that they get salary based on that number. It seems fair, but without orders and without a manager, where is this money going to come from? Mohini mentioned that most groups like Dhaka Weaves will have to close down because of these outrageous demands. Rita and Mohini both have hope that Dhaka Weaves will make it through, by raising the cost of the product they will make some additional profit. I was speaking with a friend today and she brought up a great point, hope is not a strategy! Hope is needed and it is a great thing to have, but hope and faith alone cannot run a company.

I found out earlier this week that Rita's son has thyroid cancer, this news is very tragic. Please keep your thoughts with him! Pritiva had her baby on September 2nd and both mother and son are doing great.

In class we have been discussing funding and that how one chooses to fund their organization will place a shadow over it. In the case of Dhaka Weaves changing to a not-for-profit might have been one of the biggest mistakes made. Now no one is taking direct responsibility and this might be because no one is making money from it anymore. I know the board members all care tremendously about Dhaka Weaves and the women that work there, but it takes more than this. They are all so busy with their other companies that Dhaka Weaves is left to run on its own. I believe the emotional attachment is what has kept it alive. I too am emotionally attached to the organization, but what to do from here while I am in school? The question is how can we turn emotional attachment and hope into action that makes a difference? I would love to go back and help get momentum going, like my friend said, just help get them to the top of the hill. From there, they will be able to take off rolling!

I guess these are the only thoughts and updates I have for now. I hope to be able to tell you more soon. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please let me know.