NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

IKEA has launched a new range of products created by women’s co-operatives in rural India.

The furniture, appliances and home accessories retailer is working in partnership with social enterprises Rangsutra and Industree PT, which support the use handicraft businesses to reduce poverty and empower women by making them more financially independent and increasing their skill base.

There are 30 products available in the limited edition STADIGT collection, which include hand-embroidered cushion covers and throws, and a large reversible shoulder bag. There are also handwoven pouffes, cushions, storage boxes and baskets in natural banana fibre.

STADIGT, which means ‘steadily’ or ‘consistently’ in Swedish, is the third limited edition collection IKEA has co-created with social entrepreneurs in India. All profits from the sale of the collection go towards IKEA’s long-term partnerships with social entrepreneurs around the world to support economic, environmental and social development.

“The new STADIGT range is one of many collections we will be producing with social entrepreneurs,” said an IKEA spokeswoman. “We will be launching approximately three collections per year – two from our partners in India and one from our partner in Thailand.

“We have a long term partnership with the social entrepreneurs. The goal is that they develop their skills and be self-reliant. To support this, we contribute with knowledge in business development and provide a global marketplace.”