Artijaan supports artisans

In countries experiencing difficult political and economic situations.
And finding themselves isolated from the international market.

In February 2024, Artijaan is

9 crafts

Embroidery, Jewelry, Woodcarving, Glass-blowing, Ceramics, Rug-making, Tailoring, Wool-spinning , Beadsworks

40+ artisans

We collaborate with more than 40 artisans across Afghanistan

1000+ women

We support 1000 women through 20 of our networks in remotes provinces

Artisans working with Artijaan:
Shazia, Nasrin, Hamida, Roya, Ramzia, Khadira, Salma, Husnia, Sodaba, Semin, Mahira, Shamila, Shamshad, Mahpaikar, Adela, Khair, Begom, Pari, Mahrokh, Diljan, Rohafza, Zohra, Nahida, Bakhtowar, Berarbakht, Najeeba, Khatira, Aziza, Sharbano, Nikbakht, Nazanin, Zainab, Raheema, Kisharar and many more!

Three women, two with braided hair and one with a headscarf, sitting around a wooden table indoors, looking at jewelry and smiling.
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The origin of the project

At the heart of Artijaan, you will find a love of supporting people, celebrating craftsmanship, and telling stories.

It is those shared passions that inspired our co-founders, Belinda, Pierre-Emmanuel and their inspiring team, to launch Artijaan shortly after the Fall of Kabul two years ago.

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Handicrafts, an opportunity to financial independance

In many developing countries, handmade crafts are a major sector of the economy, second only to agriculture.

For artisans living in countries with unstable political and economic contexts, craftsmanship is a door to autonomy, dignity, and creativity, offering hope-filled opportunities far from the difficulties they may encounter every day.

However, accessing the international market is a challenge for many artisans. To maintain a stable income and support a local creative economy, it is vital for these makers to sell outside their borders.

Empowering artisans helps:

  • Support the local economy by increasing incomes

  • Preserve ancient techniques and cultural heritage

  • Provide jobs, especially for women

Four women sitting on a bench, sewing with white fabric and yellow thread, wearing colorful headscarves and patterned dresses.
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Our mission

Supporting artisans in global south countries.
Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through the preservation and valorization of centuries-old craftsmanship.

Connecting traditional makers from around global south countries with conscious buyers throughout the world.

By creating and curating ethically handcrafted pieces, we want to share artisans’ stories and remarkable talents with you.

What makes Artijaan unique?

Group of women wearing headscarves walking along a dirt path in a mountainous desert landscape with sparse vegetation and power lines.

On-site presence

Operate in a challenging and remote environment

Artijaan operates in and supports artisans from countries facing challenging political and economic conditions, often isolated from the international market.

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Clear contribution

Create sustainable livelihood opportunities

Thanks to our partnership with ACTED, Artijaan contributes to support locals through craftsmanship training, providing them with autonomy and a fair income.

A woman wearing a maroon headscarf and dark clothing sitting cross-legged on a colorful rug, cutting fabric with scissors. There are sewing supplies, a needle, and thread nearby, with a patterned sofa and bamboo wall in the background.

Unique design

Develop exclusive and tailor-made design

Artijaan creates unique designs inspired by local culture to develop a singular range of ethically made products.

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What we stand for

  • Collaboration – We maintain an on-site presence in Afghanistan and keep open lines of communication between Paris and Kabul, our two bases of operation. We involve our Afghan makers in every step of the creative process and have a dedicated team of locals who head our project management, ensuring transparency and fair reciprocity.

  • Commitment – We are committed to sharing Afghan culture respectfully and responsibly. We consult with locals and cultural experts to properly attribute the history and cultural heritage of Afghanistan, ensuring authenticity in our products. Additionally, we are dedicated to supporting the local economy through training, fair wages, and job creation through our network of more than 1,000 women makers and 540 small enterprises. 

  • Accountability – We understand the importance of accountability in our actions. To ensure that we uphold our commitment to ethical practices and cultural respect, we regularly assess our operations and seek feedback from our Afghan partners and the communities we work with. 

  • Preservation – We honor the rich tradition of local artisanry, cherishing the timeless techniques and craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. Our passion lies in safeguarding these heritage practices, ensuring that each handcrafted object tells a story, embodying the essence of Afghan craftsmanship.

Artijaan's solutions

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Network

A distributor’s network through an online platform for direct sales

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Training & Mentorship

Mentorship and consulting in design, communication, marketing, accounting, and logistics

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Visibility

Access to international markets with events organization and online sales