Third World Craft Nepal was founded in 1999. The organization was established to provide sustainable marketing opportunities for marginalized producers across Nepal.

Unlike mainstream businesses, this model operates with a social purpose at its core. They create job opportunities for home-based women artisans who are unable to work outside the home due to family responsibilities, cultural norms, or physical limitations. Third World Craft provides them with the necessary raw materials and skill training. In return, they craft the products at home and deliver the finished goods back. Artisans receive immediate payment along with fair remuneration and an annual bonus.

Each production area is managed by a local group leader, responsible for coordinating raw material collection, distribution to artisans, and final product delivery. Group leaders earn a slightly higher wage or commission for their additional managerial responsibilities.

Skill development is ongoing. Common skills are shared on a peer-to-peer basis, while more complex designs are taught through group workshops led by skilled resource persons. For many women, this work serves as a flexible source of supplementary income that fits within their domestic responsibilities.

Mission and Goals

The long-term goal is to empower women artisans to become independent entrepreneurs. They aim to equip them with essential skills in production, management, and marketing. Many of the early artisans, who joined as beginners, have now launched their own businesses.

Export Markets

We proudly export our products to North America, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and several South Asian countries. Our clients are wholesaler and retailers who owns shops.

Commitment to Fair Trade

Third World Craft are proud members of the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal, a national body dedicated to improving conditions for handicraft producers, artisans, and traders.

Their fair trade philosophy is simple: they make producers the decision-makers. The producers determine product designs, pricing, wages, and profit margins. Unlike many organizations that bind artisans into lifelong dependency, we empower them to choose their own paths, including shifting to other opportunities when they arise.