Borderline

Thai-Burmese Borderd

Borderline is a fair trade collective that includes over a dozen women’s artisan member groups. Based in Mae Sot along the Thailand-Burma border, where thousands of Burmese refugees have sought safety from military and ethnic violence over the years, Borderline provides a secure space where artisans can market their products. Global Goods Partners works with four of the Borderline member groups: Kachin Women’s Association Thailand (KWAT); Lahu Women’s Organization (LWO); Tak Border Child Assistance Foundation (TBCAF, or Chimmuwa); and Karen Women’s Organization (KWO). Each of these groups work toward the ultimate goal of finding safe job opportunities for refugee women so that they may gain economic independence and improve their standards of living. Borderline members also promote gender equality, health and safety for women and children, women’s rights, early childhood development and political engagement.