Amman, 13 December – From the 9th until the 12th of December, UNESCO in partnership with al Hima Foundation and the Ghor el Safi Women’s Association hosted a 4-day event and exhibition at Shams el Balad Café to celebrate the achievements of the UNESCO project “Empowering Rural women in the Jordan Valley”, funded by the Drosos Foundation. The event launched the naturally-dyed collection of “Safi Crafts”, the handicraft brand of the Ghor el Safi Women’s Association, and includes a display of “Safi Crafts” products, networking activities, entertainment for children, and the preparation of typical homemade food from the Southern Jordan Valley.  

Since 1999, the women of Ghor el Safi have produced hand dyed textiles using the colourful soil and natural dye plants of Jordan. During the past two years, thanks to the support of UNESCO and its partners, the association has significantly improved its marketing and production capacity through a complete set of training and coaching activities, increasing its sales revenues of more than 50%. One of the most extraordinary results has been the successful revival of the ancient indigo industry to obtain a natural blue colour, for which the Jordan Valley was famous in the past. For the first time since its demise, indigo has been cultivated and processed in Jordan, and the natural blue colour is now back to the market.  

During the opening, Ms. Costanza Farina, UNESCO Representative to Jordan, underlined: “These colourful, vibrant and natural handicrafts bear testimony to a genuine interpretation of culture, as a wellspring of belonging, as a source of resilience in a time of challenges, to voice the dreams and aspirations of the women of Ghor el Safi.”  

Ms. Nofeh Nawasra, the President of the Ghor el Safi Women’s Association, highlighted how supporting and expanding this project is important not only for the local community but also for Jordan, as it contributes to the “development of our national heritage and to improving livelihoods” in the area.  

The exhibition “The Colours of Jordan” opened every day from 10am to 10pm until 12 December, with a display of “Safi Crafts” naturally-dyed products for sale. During the opening hours, many activities were organized for adults and children. Fresh and healthy specialties from the Jordan Valley were served on Friday and Saturday. The event has been a perfect destination for those looking for an original and unique Christmas gift.  

This activity supports the #unite4Heritage initiative in Jordan, a UNESCO powered campaign that aims to celebrate and safeguard cultural heritage and diversity around the world. For more information please visit www.unite4heritage.org.