Valerian Handicrafts

Valerian Handicrafts is a fair trade organisation that helps women in Bangladesh earn income to cover basic living costs by working and sharing together as one community. Most producers are ethnic minorities and landless, so handicrafts provide their sole source of income and enable them to educate their children.

The women artisans come from six villages across rural Bangladesh and their main production is basketry made from palm leaves and grasses. They gather to work in village spaces, sharing and learning together, making intricate baskets from natural and environmentally friendly resources. 

Through the generation of income from their traditional skills, the artisans can provide for their families - increasing their self-worth and reducing discrimination.