The Arzu Story: A Mission for Change
Arzu is a not for profit that offers hope for a better life for women, their families and communities throughout Afghanistan. Arzu empowers impoverished Afghan women artisans by providing sustainable income, education and healthcare – fostering self-sufficiency and independence.
Arzu rugs are created from the hands of the most skilled Afghan artisans using traditional techniques passed down for generations.
- Arzu employs over 700 women weavers in nine rural villages throughout Afghanistan.
- Arzu provides weavers with above market compensation, which is paid throughout the rug making process, as well as a 50% cash bonus upon completion of the rug. Arzu also gives weavers all necessary rug-making materials, ensuring they remain debt free.
- Arzu believes in fair trade practice and no child labor.
- Arzu rugs are made with 100% hand spun wool from sheep in central Afghanistan. Many designs are woven on a cotton foundation.
- Arzu dyes are derived from natural materials including madder root for red, walnut husks for brown and pomegranate for yellow.
- Rugs are hand-knotted on looms in the homes of the weavers.
- The rugs are cleaned and finished to prevent bleeding before being shipped to Arzu’s warehouse in Chicago, Illinois.
The information above was pulled from the Arzu website. To learn more about the company and see some informative videos, click here.
