Equality and inclusion are global challenges. IKEA Social Entrepreneurship collaborates with social enterprises that create a more inclusive and equal society and that have a positive impact on people’s livelihoods.
April 1, 2020, we are excited to launch the IKEA Social Entrepreneurship collection KLARAFINA and MOAKAJSA. Available in IKEA stores worldwide, this is our first global collection developed with our long-term partner Rangsutra.
Handmade by skilled artisans in India, the KLARAFINA and MOAKAJSA cushion covers provide long-term livelihood for the female artisans whom we have collaborated with.
Our partner Rangsutra gathers artisans in small production co-operatives near their homes in the remote regions of India, supporting livelihood creation and local handicraft traditions. To date, over 1000 women have secured employment with Rangsutra through the IKEA productions, a collaboration that started in 2013.
The KLARAFINA and MOAKAJSA cushion covers were created in collaboration with IKEA designer Akanksha Deo, who worked with the artisan women and shares the vision behind the products:
“More than ever before, as designers in current times, we have an active responsibility to work towards adding value to the community through design. I have been very fortunate to have worked with the craftswomen in Bikaner in the northwest of India—in collaboration with the social enterprise Rangsutra—to design a set of two handmade cushion covers which tells the beautiful story of craft and these women. By means of such projects we are able to empower these women, enhance their skills and make them financially independent.”
By partnering with social entrepreneurs, who produce handicrafts products for IKEA, over 5600 jobs have been created for skilled artisans, of which 85% are women. You can read more about Akanksha and how she has been recognised as one of the most influential Bright Young Minds in India at IKEA Today.