MARCH 15, 2016 HOME FASHION MARKET 2016 NEWSLETTER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far...walk together.”

INTRODUCING THE WOMEN WEAVERS PROGRAM: CHANGING THE INDUSTRY

Most of OBEETEE's 12,000 weavers live and work out of remote villages, connected by winding roads amidst vast swathes of farmland. People here live simple lives and conform to traditional gender roles. The men are unfailingly the bread winners; the women, the child bearers and home keepers.

OBEETEE believes women should have access to equal opportunities; in their careers, as well as in their homes. As such, the company has created the "Women Weavers" program to train rug weaving techniques. In collaboration with MIT and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), OBEETEE has begun studying the barriers that women face in deciding whether to work as a weaver, or otherwise. In February, over 500 rural women were surveyed in depth - with over half stating they are highly likely to take-up the training opportunity OBEETEE offers.

Despite this being a male dominated profession, and with villagers having serious reservations about sending women to work outside the home, OBEETEE has completed training with 250 women who are now already in the workforce. Another 105 are currently under training at the women's center. The demand is high - and in future we hope to meet it by opening many more weaving training centers for women.

DESIGN ON A DIME: MIAMI

On February 5th, interior designer Anne Rue unveiled her “guest bedroom” vignette design as part of the weekend-long event to benefit Housing Works.

OBEETEE was honored to contribute our Amir rug, which served as the anchor for Anne’s sophisticated and fun retreat. In 2016, OBEETEE is dedicating itself to contribute to more charitable events and continue our company mission by giving back to organizations within the US design industry.

New York Home Fashions Market Week We hope you plan to join us at Home Fashion Market March 14th-17th. To schedule an appointment, please 212.633.9744 or email Katherine Walters at katherine.walters@obeetee.com