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Meet Our Makers—Indonesia

 

Indonesia Current Weather
Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania consisting of more than eighteen thousand islands, 139 active volcanoes, and more than 33,000 miles of coastline. Its tropical climate is considered one of the few “megadiverse” locations in the world and is home to many species found nowhere else. With more than 260 million residents, it’s one of the fourth largest populations on the planet. Our first partnership in Indonesia began in 2014 and we now partner with 4 groups totaling 125 makers, predominantly women.

 


 

Our company started after our founder happened to meet Yulia, an Indonesian woman from a small village who made and sold jewelry to support her family. Mandy was impressed with the craftsmanship of Yulia’s pieces and found her story inspiring. After also learning that more than half of this population lives on less than $2USD per day, and that more than 80 million Indonesian children live in poverty, she felt compelled to do something more than just buy these handmade goods for herself.




 

That one simple purchase turned into a partnership. And the purpose Mandy was searching for developed into a cause that helped one woman find hope. We’ve now grown into a brand with even bigger aspirations, expanding to impact hundreds of families in many countries. We desire to give artisans a revived ambition and an opportunity to look forward to what is to come.


The Indonesian family unit is deep-rooted in their society. It consists of the man being the primary breadwinner and the woman taking on all of the responsibilities of the home. If a women chooses to find work outside the home, she is still expected to uphold all household duties. The pay gap between men and women is seen in all sectors of industry and is among the largest in East Asian nations.

 

 

The barriers that prevent women from entering the workforce are present, but abstract. Some have described these problems as a “sticky floor” that make it challenging for women to first obtain a job, then to hold and excel in the role. Only around 51% of women in Indonesia participate in a workforce outside of household duties. No matter their situation, women often can only land roles as temporary workers. Women are even more less likely to be hired after they give birth because employers see them as vulnerable, are expected to be absent more often, and will result in a financial burden to the employer.



 

Providing opportunities to women, especially in countries where these jobs are lacking, is one step in the right direction. I Thought of You is proud to work with women in disadvantaged communities to provide consistent work while still allowing the flexibility needed to raise families and tend to their households. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the benefits of employing women and the value they can bring to society as a whole. Every eco-friendly purchase broadens their opportunity and gives them a voice and a place in their communities.

FAVORITE MATERIALS TO CRAFT WITH

Real seashells carved and polished to a beautiful finish.

Sustainable woods like bamboo and indian rosewood.

Handmade and beautifully vibrant glass beads.




WHERE WE WORK

Meet our makers in: ColombiaGuatemalaIndiaIndonesiaPeruPhilippinesThailandTurkeyUnited StatesVietnam
SHOP ETHICALLY HANDMADE