Bag-Making Shop

Group: Daloa Humanist Women Collectives

Location: Daloa, Ivory Coast

Members:

Kousso Minata, age 32. Email: debbiekous@gmail.com

Clarisse Kouadio, age 28. Phone: +225 01 92 47 3810. Role: Secretary.

Fatoumata Soro, age 35. Phone: +225 07 14 89 2033. Role: Treasurer.

Aminata Traoré, age 26. Phone: +225 05 31 22 7761. Role: Member.

Brigitte Guei, age 30. Phone: +225 07 53 64 1182. Role: Member.

Josiane Yao, age 24. Phone: +225 01 28 46 5307. Role: Member.

Mariam Koffi, age 29. Phone: +225 05 40 91 2294. Role: Member.

Nadège Coulibaly, age 27. Phone: +225 07 38 12 6485. Role: Member.

Prisca N'Guessan, age 31. Phone: +225 01 64 75 9930. Role: Member.

Zeynab Diomandé, age 33. Phone: +225 07 10 88 5412. Role: Member.

Email: debbiekous@gmail.com

Phone: +225 07 21 34 6589.

What does humanism mean to your group?

As women in Côte d’Ivoire, we are deeply aware of the social, cultural, and structural barriers that often limit the rights and potential of women and girls. In many parts of our country, these challenges are compounded by harmful practices justified by superstition, rigid tradition, and unquestioned authority. We believe that by embracing humanism, we are claiming the right to question, to learn, to lead, and to live free from fear, inequality, and silence.

Humanism gives us the language and the framework to demand equality, to promote scientific literacy and education for girls, and to defend human rights regardless of one’s background or belief. We see no conflict between being proud African women and rejecting the systems that perpetuate injustice whether they come from patriarchal customs or religious dogma. Our strength lies in our autonomy and our solidarity.

We are humanists because we choose reason over superstition, empathy over hatred, and action over apathy. We believe that ethical living comes from human experience and shared responsibility, not divine command. In our daily work whether through advocacy, mentoring, education, or community service we aim to embody the principles of compassion, fairness, freedom of thought, and the protection of human rights. Through the Humanist Women Collective, we support one another in creating space for new ideas, for open dialogue, and for leadership by women and girls.

We are building a new culture, one where voices are heard, values are shared, and change is driven by courage and critical thinking. In joining the wider humanist movement, we hope to learn, to grow, and to contribute to a global network that promotes dignity, equality, and hope for all.

Project Description

We respectfully submit this proposal to seek your support in establishing a bag and purse-making workshop for the women of the Daloa Humanist Women Collectives. This project is a strategic initiative to empower these women by equipping them with the skills, tools, and resources needed to create high-quality handmade bags, purses, and accessories that can be sold for profit.

By supporting this project, HuMAN will play a crucial role in fostering economic independence and sustainability for the women in this collective. The establishment of the workshop will enable them to generate steady income, develop entrepreneurial skills, and build a sustainable livelihood that strengthens their social and economic status within the community.

This initiative aligns closely with HuMAN’s mission to empower humanist women and promote self-reliance. Through your support, the Daloa Humanist Women Collectives will transform their creativity and craftsmanship into a viable business, ensuring long-term sustainability and enhancing their capacity for financial autonomy.

We kindly request HuMAN’s partnership in providing funding, training, and resources necessary to launch and sustain this project. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities for the women of Daloa to thrive economically while advancing the broader goals of humanist empowerment.

Budget

Materials & Supplies (fabric, thread, zippers, handles, embellishments) — $180

Basic Tools & Equipment (scissors, needles, sewing kits, measuring tapes) — $70

Training and Skill Development (trainer fees, workshops, demonstrations) — $100

Marketing and Packaging (labels, tags, packaging materials) — $50

Shop space and furniture  (Rent) — $50

Total $450

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The project will be implemented over a three-month period. In the first month, efforts will focus on setting up the workspace, purchasing tools and materials, and providing hands-on training for the selected members of the Daloa Humanist Women Collectives. Through workshops and skill-building sessions, the women will learn the basics of crafting bags, purses, and accessories. By the second month, they will begin full-scale production, creating a range of handmade products while maintaining quality through peer review and supervision. Branding and packaging materials will also be developed to prepare the products for sale. In the third month, sales will launch through local markets, direct sales, and small retail partnerships, while exploring future opportunities through online platforms. Profits will be reinvested to support ongoing production and growth.

Financial projections suggest that the project will be profitable from the first production cycle. With an estimated 50 items produced and sold at an average price of $10 each, revenue is expected to reach $500. After subtracting material costs of approximately $180, the women could generate a net profit of around $320. This income will support continued production and provide immediate economic relief. As skills improve and market reach expands, the project is expected to become self-sustaining within six months, contributing to long-term financial independence and empowerment for the women involved.

Benefits to your Community

•  Empowers women with income-generating skills

• Reduces financial dependency in households

• Creates local job opportunities

• Builds skills in craftsmanship and entrepreneurship

• Encourages knowledge-sharing within the community

• Promotes gender equality and female role models

• Stimulates local economic activity

• Strengthens humanist values in practice

• Supports long-term, sustainable development