“Duga”, the Humanitarian Women’s Association was founded in 1992 and is the first NGO in the Republic of Srpska to support over 135,000 people, mainly women, children of casualties of war, refugees, orphans, the elderly and other domiciled individuals of all nationalities in its 20- year history.

At the beginning “Duga” provided psychosocial support to people traumatised by the conflict. Later, responding to the needs of the vulnerable groups it supports, “Duga” organised workshops  for making traditional handmade products. The aim of all the activities is spiritual and economic empowerment of the users and strengthening the role of the women in the family and society. “Duga” has also given considerable support to the local community developing initiatives to combat poverty as well as the support for the maintenance and growth of traditional crafts, culture and heritage of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina .

“Duga” was created through the passion and enthusiasm of its volunteer members and it is these that still drive it forward to help people in need.

All of the artisans working with “Duga” have been on their own personal journeys over the last 18 years. They arrived to “Duga” through refugee centres as well as small towns and villages in war- torn areas of the country. In order to forget their own personal traumas from the war, they began by counting knit stitches and combining colours. Later, they had learned to move on and regain their confidence and capacity for altruism. However they never forgot who they were or where they came from.

Thanks to the sincere help of professional ethnologists and the enthusiasm from the women it helped, “Duga” was able to create its first “ethno-souvenirs” based on traditional crafts and knowledge passed down from mother to daughter through the ages. This quickly grew into the “Duga” Collection, elements of which can be found in homes all round the world. The items from this collection were awarded at the World Exhibition in Seoul and recognised by UNESCO when they were included in its book of traditional arts and crafts.

All of the handicrafts from the “Duga” workshops are made from natural materials using traditional methods and are decorated with authentic adornments found on the traditional clothing of the Dinara region. The collection contains ethno souvenirs, decorative items and clothing.

All of the handicrafts are produced in an ethical manner and by purchasing them you will help Duga to continue providing aid to all of its beneficiaries and support to other local humanitarian projects. “

The Humanitarian Women’s Association "Duga"
Kralja Petra Karađorđevića 88
78000 Banjaluka
Republika Srpska
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Phone/Fax: +38751307866
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