The Raphia (raphias, a word of Malagasy origin attested in 1652) is a type of palm tree in the Arecaceae family found in swamp environment and along rivers. A monocarpic or hapaxanth plant (the stem dies after fruiting but the roots remain alive, producing new shoots), the species Raphia farinifera, native to Madagascar, produces a plant fibre from its leaves which is called raffia. The leaves can grow up to 25 m by 4 m, making them the longest leaves in the plant kingdom. Madagascar raffia is a natural fibre of rare quality found in the heart of the island's unspoilt nature.

Key facts about M4W:

• Created in 2019 in Madagascar, Antananarivo.
• From six employees at its creation, the company employs (in 2023) more than 350 local artisans.
• Makes unique bags, hats and accessories.
• All M4W products are 100% handmade using traditional techniques.
• Partnerships and business collaborations with world-renowned brands such as Chloé, Armani and many others, as well as with innovative activist groups such as the WAMI collective - We Are Made in Italy.
• The main export destinations in the European Union are Italy and France, but products are also exported to Spain, Germany and Cyprus.
• More than 1,000 pieces were sold in the EU for the spring-summer 2023 collection totalling approximately EUR 100,000 .
• Works mainly with vulnerable women from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds: 85% are survivors of domestic violence, 35% are single mothers and 3% are disabled.

Company profile:

Founded in 2019 by Eileen Akbaraly, a young designer of Italian-Indian origin, M4W is a social enterprise based in Madagascar that aims to give a better life to women artisans through the traditional art of weaving.

The company's production process ensures transparency and sustainability of all materials at every stage of the supply chain and all materials are locally sourced. 

In their workshop, skilled craftsmen create high-quality, luxurious accessories from natural materials, especially raffia, perfect for everyday wear.

By showcasing the incredible work of their artisans, M4W wants to show its customers how their choices affect the lives of people 'behind the scenes', promoting a more sustainable and ethical way of shopping.

Support for women and the community:

The company works mainly with vulnerable women from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds. They are all the main breadwinners for their families and also have to look after their children. In order to give all women equal opportunities, avoid discrimination and be self-sufficient, the association offers several important benefits that accompany them throughout their lives: free health care, educational opportunities, free transport to and from the workplace, free daily meals (a hot meal and snacks, as well as basic necessities, personal protective equipment, free hygiene products, a childcare area, etc.), and a health insurance scheme. All these benefits are offered to both permanent and temporary M4W employees.

The company ensures that its workshop is a place of learning, growth and self-expression, as 98% of the artisans have no basic education. The institution believes it is crucial to provide them with as many educational opportunities as possible, including language classes, computer classes, recycling and environmental classes, and even crochet and dance classes for a little fun.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, M4W also offers microcredit and 0% interest loans, as well as the establishment of savings accounts for permanent employees. This allows women to put money aside for a lifelong dream, such as building a house, starting a business, etc. The combined salary and benefits are about 50% higher than the local salary scale

Main achievements over the years:

• M4W's production process ensures transparency and sustainability of all its materials at every stage of the supply chain and has been a World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) endorsed Fair Trade company since 2022.
• M4W has proven its potential on international stages, such as the Milan Fashion Week shows and the Green Carpet Awards, where it was one of three finalists for the Human Rights Award.
• Completely plastic-free (both in its products and in its workshop).
• Uses only organic or AZO-free pigments for dyeing.
• Participates in reforestation activities by planting over a million trees a year to preserve nature and offset its carbon footprint by absorbing 23,000 tonnes of C02 per year.

How did the EPA help?

Our most important market is Italy, which is superior in terms of distribution. Exports to the EU is mainly through our showroom in Milan, Italy, which redistributes our accessories to several EU countries. Thanks to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), we export our products to the European market duty and quota free. The benefits offered by the EPA have definitely allowed Made For A Woman to expand as it became easier to export to our main markets.

“... export facilities to the EU, with the help of the EPA, have allowed us to grow and promote women's empowerment and community support in Madagascar...”

Made For A Woman (M4W)

Ms Eileen Akbaraly, Founder and CEO

M4W Madagascar

M4W Madagascar

M4W Madagascar

M4W Madagascar