Lahore Fair Highlights Pakistan’s Invisible Female Artisans

The issue driving forward the fair was clearly etched out in the slogan; “Visible Products, Invisible hands.” It sought to make visible poverty-stricken women across Pakistan, who turn to the traditional arts of their area-usually passed down from mother to daughter over generations-to increase their household income. But because these women are manacled by 3 linking disadvantages-illiteracy, oppressive social customs, and distance from urban markets-they usually rely on middlemen to take their goods to market.