 |
| Toraja Melo has established a variety of programs to work with women who participate. (Photo courtesy of Toraja Melo) |
Jakarta. A 2007 trip to her husband's hometown, Toraja in South Sulawesi, saw entrepreneur and women's rights activist Dinny Jusuf become fascinated by traditional weavers living in the region.
Using back-strap loom to slowly weave colorful fabrics bearing sacred Torajanese motifs, these economically disadvantaged craftswomen relied on their creations as a main source of income, while having to navigate dual roles as a weaver and a housewife. It was a situation only worsened by fluctuating tourist numbers and an insecure market to sell their crafts.
