Zaha's Fair Rug

New designs for worldwide architectural projects by Zaha Hadid reach us almost weekly. Now Zaha Hadid Architects have designed a rug for non-profit organization Arzu. The one-of-a kind rug is part of Arzu Rug’s "Hope by Designers” collection and comes in three sizes – all woven by Arzu women weavers in Afghanistan.

Proceeds of all rug sales are benefiting Arzu's programs in Afghanistan, providing sustainable income to Afghan women by­ sourcing and selling the rugs they weave. Arzu helps weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them above market compensation and access to education and health care.

Arzu's rug-making project creates opportunities for women to generate consistent income. In addition, Arzu invests in the future by providing literacy and education classes as well as essential health care services like pre- and post-natal care. As part of Arzu's program, all weavers sign a social contract which states that women in the household must attend literacy class and all children in the family, under the age of 15, must go to school.

Meeting these needs sets a foundation of stability for the women, who can then assist their families and participate more fully in their communities.
Arzu's program is designed to become self-sustaining - a progressive economic approach for a non-profit organization engaged in international development activities.