Weaving the spirit of tradition

Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, the umbrella organisation for Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council talks about empowering women and reviving important Emirati cottage industries.
The UAE's largest Safeefah-made flag is a tribute to the women's unwavering commitment and loyalty to the UAE, and is a result of the great support provided by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, Founder and Royal Patron of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, to empower women in traditional crafts.
It is a wonderful achievement for these women to create such an impressive piece of work using only traditional crafts. The work itself is stunning, but the devotion and care that have gone into making such an intricate piece is what makes it a true labour of love.
The Bidwa Social Development Programme continues to support the modernisation of traditional crafts through skills development and training, and as we see from this flag, it is a skill that is very much alive and continues to flourish. With Bidwa established in 2014, the council aims to revive the country's important heritage cottage industries and sustains and engages with younger generations by modernising and elevating the crafts Talli, Sadu ?and Safeefah.
Representing both traditional and modern crafts across the MENA, South East and Central Asia regions, working with partner organisations and championing artisans and designers, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is looking at the empowerment of women economically and socially.
The council aims to provide a fresh narrative for women, by developing new market opportunities, and sectors, delivering social development programmes and vocational training, as well as preserving the skills and rich cultural heritage.

• Dubai