MADE51 on the road: Showcasing refugee-made products at major UNHCR events
Posted by Piedra Lightfoot on
This week, MADE51, a global initiative made possible by UNHCR that brings together the craftsmanship of over 3,700 refugee artisans, has been making waves!
We've had the privilege of showcasing our range of refugee-made products at some truly inspiring global events. Here's a recap of our journey in the past week:
First Stop: The Nansen Refugee Awards
Our week began at the prestigious #NansenRefugeeAwards, where we joined the celebration of remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to supporting refugees, internally displaced, and stateless people worldwide. From unforgettable live performances to deeply moving speeches, the event put the spotlight on this year’s #NansenAward winners—true champions of humanity.
For the first time ever, all of this year's #NansenRefugeeAward winners were women! We’re thrilled to see these incredible women celebrated for their unwavering contributions to the refugee cause.
At MADE51, we know firsthand the impact that women can have on their communities. In fact, over 85% of the artisans we work with are women, and through their work, they support an estimated 16,000+ beneficiaries. These women, like the Nansen Award winners, show us every day that women truly do hold up half the sky!
The event was a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to support displaced communities across the globe, and we were honoured to stand alongside such inspirational figures.
Next Stop: UNHCR Executive Committee (ExCom) Meeting in Geneva
Following the Nansen Awards, we headed to to the annual UNHCR Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme (ExCom) meeting. ExCom brings together global leaders, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to review UNHCR’s programs, budgets, and to discuss international protection efforts.
We were grateful to attend and showcase our range of products that are #craftedbyrefugees from 23 countries. Each handcrafted product tells a unique story of resilience, culture, and creativity, while providing artisans with a sustainable livelihood.
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Supporters
A huge thank you to everyone who visited our stand at these events and supported us by purchasing our handmade products. Your contributions directly empower refugee artisans, helping them build independence, earn a living, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
To learn more about our work and how you can continue supporting refugee artisans, visit us here.
Together, we can continue to uplift refugee artisans and share their incredible talents and stories with the world.