UPDATE FROM SOUMYA’S TRIP TO ARMED IN JANUARY 2024

 - Over the past two weeks, the women of the cooperative and I have been working on legal paperwork. 

 - Unfortunately, obtaining the intended building has proven challenging. The organization of the village is uncooperative, and the governmental branch responsible for building the garages say that it is unlikely that we get them since the organization that they were built for is intending to use them. 

 - I have asked around about renting alternative spaces, but the estimate is $500 per month.

NEW SPACE ?

 - While pursuing paperwork, we encountered a problem. We had to have a building or space in order to complete the registration process. Fortunately, my parents donated a nearby space for the cooperative. That we could either choose to use or not.

 - The challenge is that this space requires an estimated $10k for renovation. See video below of the road leading to it and photos of the space on this page. I appreciate your thoughts on these matters.

THE GOAL

The ultimate goal of a cooperative is to give the women of Atlas Mountain the financial and educational support they need in order for them to manage a successful business.

WHY THIS IS PROJECT IMPORTANT

This cooperative will serve as a transformative platform to empower the women of the Atlas Mountains, economically and socially.

Our vision for The Women's Cooperative is to create economic opportunities and entrepreneurship training for women in the Atlas Mountains, ultimately fostering positive social and cultural change. The foundation will be built on the principles of collaboration, sustainability, and empowerment.

To ensure the cooperative's economic viability, we are excited to present a diverse range of products that will be crafted by the women of the Atlas Mountains. These products will not only celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage but also create a sustainable income stream for the cooperative and its members. The proposed products include:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Produced using locally grown apples.
Apple Juice: Made from hand picked apples.
Apple Jam: Made from hand picked apples.
Cherry Jam: Cherries grown in the region.
Couscous: A staple food of the region, our couscous will be produced using traditional techniques, preserving its authentic taste and texture.
Walnut Oil: Made from the finest locally sourced walnuts.
Herbs: Collected from the mountains, dried, and packed for sale.
Carpets: Made with recycled materials.