KNOTTED WITH LOVE: HANDMADE SEFROU BUTTONS GIVE WOMEN POWER

These beautiful handcrafted Moroccan buttons are more than just pretty decoration. They are game changers.

Women in the Sefrou region of Morocco are have traditionally been prohibited, by law, from earning their own living, leaving them dependent on the men. Not only has this put a strain on households, by limiting income to male earners, but it has rendered women vulnerable and powerless over their own lives. A small group of women had the idea and the courage to change that for themselves. Together, with the help of Peace Corps volunteers, they put together the Cherry Button Collective, a cooperative that enables women to get the education and training they need to make and sell djellaba buttons. An ancient craft, originally developed by Moroccan Jews who introduced it to the Sefrou, textile crafters decoratively knot silk and other fibers, to form little nosegay-like buttons in rich hues and gorgeous textures. They are appreciated by designers and tailors for adding an exquisite finish to any garment.

In addition to buttons, the co-op has expanded its creations to include scarves, shawls, slippers, earrings, and more. When you purchase these Cherry Button Collective crafts, you will not only get the pleasure of wearing them, you will also help to change the power ration of Sefrou women by raising their economic status along with their hopes and dreams. Visit CherryButtonScoop for more information and to learn how to order their wares.