Fayoum Pottery

Fayoum / Tunis

"Rawya is a group specializing in Pottery making since 1997, based in Tunis Village, Egypt. They produce pottery products of all kinds; plates, mugs, and wall arts. The process is divided into two parts, the first in which they form the mud into shapes then fire the ceramics in a kiln. Fast forward comes the fun part where colors take part, they do paint on the products and then let them all dry to use. Rawya's journey to becoming a skilled ceramic artist wasn't that easy. Especially that she was the first woman in her area to have her own workshop and become a business owner. Since where she lives, with the stereotypical traditions, it wasn't common for women to work outside her home. But she believed in the importance of independence through work. She faced doubts from other artisans when she started her own studio till she insisted on creating her own success, and now Rawia and her family of 6 women and men are working on this project. Rawya and Fair Trade Egypt started working together since 2001, we first went on a tour in her place for the first time where she showed us her home that was filled with her products showing how proud she is of her work. Our main goal was helping determined skilled women showing up and succeed more in what they believe in, and with the support we offered her, she was able to sell her products in a good manner and helped through strategic marketing, and getting her to generate actual income for her and her family."