We empower women to create high-quality and ecologically responsible goods using traditional West African methods.
Created in Bolgatanga, Ghana with cooperatives reaching 12 villages & more than 5,000 women weavers
The artisan weavers work independently in a creative process to create their unique patterns and designs.
They receive fair wages and health care for their families in return for their handiwork.
The weavers craft the baskets in their own homes, and we collect the baskets once they are completed.
Flexibility to work at a pace that is convenient for her, her farm, family, & social community duties.
10% of the sales from our co-operatives are given back to our communities to fund projects where our artisans live and work
$46.99
Shoulder bags are used traditionally in West Africa to hold coins awarded to ceremonial dancers. Previously known as Allafia shoulder baskets, Ayèya shoulder baskets are made from Savannah grass and can be used Daily or on a Vacation. It is easy to match with any casual clothing or summer beachwear, including long dresses, jeans, jumpsuits, swimwear, and swimsuit wraps for bikinis, etc.
Who Are We:
Ayéya means “life in balance,” and was born out of a desire to empower. We endeavor to honor the virtuous circle between doing well as an enterprise & doing good in the world. Our deep connectivity and roots within West African communities create a bridge between our artisans and Ayéya’s North American community, providing meaningful employment, preserving cultural knowledge, and bringing joy to life through beautiful and ethically crafted goods.
What We Do:
We empower women to create high-quality and ecologically responsible goods using traditional West African methods. We honor the generational knowledge of our 5,000+ co-operative members, which enables Ayéya to bring artisan, handmade, and ethically crafted goods to a global community. Our artisans receive beyond Fair Trade wages and access to free healthcare for their families in exchange for their cultural wisdom & expertise.
Why We Do It:
Community is at the heart of Ayéya’s existence. Supporting women with sustainable wages helps to break the cycles of economic injustice and gender inequality and is an important part of enabling our cooperatives and communities to thrive.
In addition, 10% of the sales from our co-operatives are given back to our communities to fund projects where our artisans live and work. In keeping with Ayéya’s values, our giving focus will center on two pivotal areas: improving access to water through Building Wells and promoting gender equality through the elimination of FGM.
