Empowering lives, one thread at a time

Initiated by Friendship SPO in 2009, Friendship Colours of the Chars has since expanded to 7 training centres in the Kurigram and Gaibandha regions of northern Bangladesh, employing over 380 charwomen at present. The primary aim of these training and production centers is to empower the most marginalized women in the chars who are most susceptible to climate change to secure gainful employment, thereby offering them the opportunity to lead a life in dignity and with hope .

Friendship Colours of the Chars provides the distribution of unique handmade products in Europe. The sales points ensure one of our main goals, the continuous production of slow fashion garments and ethical lifestyle items. This goal is achieved by first providing training in traditional methods of spinning, weaving, dyeing, tailoring and embroidery. By either attaining employment at these centers of production or pursuing entrepreneurship, the women gain the economic autonomy required to plan for their futures, thus avoiding the threat of child marriage or domestic violence. Empowerment through employment affords their families and children access to education and healthcare. Beyond fostering a sense of purpose, the workplace facilitates the formation of a collective identity. The acquisition of skills and employment opportunities empowers women to enhance their overall quality of life. 

By attaining employment at these centers of production or pursuing entrepreneurship, women gain the economic autonomy required to plan for their futures, thus avoiding obstacles like child marriage and domestic violence. This empowerment affords their families and children access to education and healthcare.

Beyond fostering a sense of purpose, the workplace facilitates the formation of a collective identity. The acquisition of skills and employment opportunities empowers women to enhance their overall quality of life. Since 2019, Friendship Colours of the Chars has operated several Pop-Up stores situated in the central area of Luxembourg City. An outstanding cohort of volunteers, together with our Store Manager, runs the commercial activity.  

Société d'Impact Sociétal is the designation that the "Luxembourgish Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social and Solidarity Economy" has granted to Friendship Colours of the Chars S.A.R.L. In accordance with the stipulations of this legislation, any profits generated throughout the commercial operation shall be entirely reinvested in the progress of the initiative in Bangladesh. This guarantees that the weaving centers will persist in offering training and employment opportunities for women.