"Good things often come in small packages" must refer to Swaziland, a small land-locked country bordered by South Africa on three sides and Mozambique on the east. Still a kingdom, the government recently adopted a much-disputed constitution as part of its governing system. The King continues to play a large and controversial role in the country; and almost 60% of the land is owned by the crown in the trust of the Swazi nation. The rest is privately owned, much by foreigners. The question of land use and ownership remains very sensitive. For the 70% of Swazis living on rural homesteads, the principal occupation is either subsistence farming or livestock herding. Beautiful and geographically diverse, Swaziland has lush mountains, rolling savannahs and dense rainforests. 

It's one of the wealthier nations in Africa, but one of the poorest in the world. Most of the high-level economic activity is in the hands of non-Africans, but ethnic Swazis are becoming more active. The unemployment rate is approximately 40% and nearly 70% of the population lives on less than a dollar per day. (See www.infoplease.com for more information about Swaziland.) Sadly, Swaziland has the highest HIV rate on the continent. As in many African countries, communities, businesses and individuals are beginning to address the needs of people with HIV/AIDS and their families. I met small business owners who provide free confidential testing for their staff every three months. An ex-pat from South Africa has started a foundation (with funding raised from individuals in Swaziland and South Africa) to provide support and guidance to children whose families have been devastated by AIDS.  Anyone who has HIV can receive ARVs from the government, free. These people and thousands of others have learned that they can make a difference.

Spinner at Coral Stephens

Textile weavers in Swaziland, as opposed to Ethiopia, are women. They weave the warm and richly colored mohair used in our Swazi shawls and blankets from hand-spun Lesotho mohair. In addition to these classic home accessories, our Swazi producer draws from Swaziland's long history of basket making and grass weaving to produce unusual raffia pillows and floor cushions in a variety of colors and stripes.

 Art historians suggest that the missionaries who came to Swaziland in the 1800s first encouraged women to use their basket-weaving skills to weave textiles. Subsequently, they were encouraged to use their hand-woven textiles to change their style of dress and cover their breasts in the Western style. Another theory suggests that international development organizations capitalized on the weaving tradition and set up weaving training programs for women so that they could generate income for their families and communities. Regardless of how it happened, most weavers in Swaziland today are women. And whether it's baskets or textiles, they are creating products that incorporate Swazi culture and beauty into each piece.

  "It's important for women to have a sense of independence. I think a good job is one that pays a
   decent wage, has good working conditions, and offers a chance for employees to improve 
   themselves."

                        Ellen Dorsch