IMPACT REPORT 2024
our mission
What do we stand for?
Solid creates fair employment opportunities and/or markets for disadvantaged people and strongly focuses on strengthening their capacities and self-reliance
Solid guides and supports women, youth, and children in highly vulnerable situations, with attention to personal development, awareness of their strengths, and training, towards a sustainable future
The interconnection between entrepreneurial projects and social initiatives is Solid’s trademark. This approach ensures that every client and partner contributes to building a better world. Solid operates exclusively in Peru, India, and Kenya
Solid Crafts
Liftdisadvantagedwomen outofpoverty EMPLOYMENT
KNITTING WORKSHOP
HANDICRAFT
WORKSHOP
WEAVING BASKETS
SolidSocial
EMPOWERMENT
Guidingteenagemothers
HOME VISITS PROGRAM
SHELTER HOME
SEX EDUCATION
PROGRAM
SolidAgriculture
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TRAINING FOR YOUNG
RURAL ENTREPRENEURS
ORGANIC QUINOA
BUSINESS
INTEGRAL EDUCATIONAL
FARM
At Crafts by Solid we are dedicated to women’s empowerment through the creation of fashion and homeware in under-privileged regions in Peru, India, and Kenya. Focused on providing fair employment and skill development, our workshops prioritize fair trade, highquality craftsmanship, and practices to protect both artisans and the planet
Our handicrafts showcase diverse techniques and cultural traditions:
Peru: Specializes in hand-knitted items
India: Features collections of handwoven, crocheted, quilted, and kantha-stitched products
Kenya: Artisans contribute with their traditional weaving skills, creating beautiful baskets and derivative products made from sisal and palm leaves
As a full-service partner, we simplify the complexities of overseas production, managing challenges such as design, sourcing, production, and international transport, offering our B2B clients a variety of options, including tailor-made products, white-label solutions, and a selection of off-the-shelf items From our headquarters in Belgium, we collaborate with brands and retailers to create unique, high-quality products while handling the details allowing our clients to focus on growing their business
Website: www craftsbysolid be Instagram: @solid.crafts
Email: hello@craftsbysolid com
photobyMarieMonsieurforLNKnits
DIAMANTA
Diamanta, Solid’s knitting workshop in Ayacucho, crafts custom knits for global fashion and home decor brands. But we do more than create beautiful products we provide employment, training, social support, and childcare. Our mission? Empowering women and transforming lives through opportunity.
Set up in 2011
2024 was a very positive year for Diamanta, with growth in volumes and employment hours, creating more impact for our artisans This growth was made possible by the growth of our existing clients who managed to build their brand thanks to the qualitative craftmanship Diamanta has shown to deliver.
40%/60%
Machine / Hand
1000000€
Turnover
31 Clients
213 knitters, on average
€942,615 Turnover
208,030
19% Employment hours
34,937 Pieces
(-16%), which we regret However, this was offset by a noticeable rise in the use of 100% Andean Highland/Merino wool (+15%) and recycled synthetic blends (+16 8%) which provide greater flexibility and cost-efficiency while making the products lighter and easier to maintain
Syntheticblend*
Recycledsyntheticblend*
100%AndeanHighland/Merinowool
* (max 35% synthetic)
Synthetic blends (50 – 85% synthetic) - 7%
Natural blends (Alpaca with wool or cotton) – 6%
100% Organic cotton - 5%
100% cotton – 4%
100% Certified RWS Wool – 1% (Responsible Wool Standard)
USA
The Netherlands - 2,1%, France - 0,8%, Australia - 0,5%, Argentina - 0,3% Sweden - 0,3%, Canada - 0,2% Spain - 0,2%
Sweater Beanie
Headband
Yarn
Scarf
Mittens
photobyIsabelCorther
India
PACESCRAFTS a new chapter
Paces Crafts was founded in 2016 as a social textile workshop in Jharkhand, one of India's poorest states and situated in the North of India. With a mission to create sustainable employment, we built a handicraft workshop from scratch, providing fair job opportunities for tribal women in rural areas around Ranchi. By offering an honest income to these women, Solid wants to bring an alternative to human trafficking and the uncertainties and dangers of day labouring.
2024 was a particularly challenging year for Paces Crafts, with sales declining sharply after we returned to our original B2B focus A tough decision, as the workshop had come to rely heavily on B2C orders The broader slowdown in the fashion and home interior sectors made things even harder And despite progress in techniques, materials, and teambuilding, we continued to face challenges in management, efficiency, and scaling
Kenya
HADITHICRAFTS
Hadithi Crafts, located in the Kasigau region of Kenya, creates handwoven baskets from sisal and palm leaves, showcasing the stories of the female artisans who craft these baskets. In a region that faces challenges like extreme drought and poaching, Hadithi Crafts provides an eco-friendly income source, enabling women to support their families and communities. Profits from sales are reinvested into local women's groups
In 2024, Hadithi Crafts took a big step by launching its Dye Centre
With no regional example to follow, they learned from scratch to create a safe, eco-friendly sisal dyeing process The centre uses OEKO-Tex Standard 100 dyes, follows strict health protocols, and includes wastewater treatment Additionally, Hadithi Crafts trained artisans in proper home dyeing, teaching traditional techniques to achieve 20 natural shades while ensuring health and safety standards
Hadithi Craft’s 2024 highlights!
1822 artisans
10,021 lives impacted
Since its start, Hadithi Crafts has grown from 552 artisans in 2014 to over 1,900 in 2023. In 2024, 1,822 artisans found an extra income with Hadithi Crafts, a slight decline due to aging, retiring or passing away of artisans and a shift in focus toward securing more work for the existing 65 groups rather than expansion
Hadithi Crafts earns the Nest Seal for Beadwork
In 2024, Hadithi Crafts proudly obtained the Nest Ethical Craft Certification for its beadwork recognizing its commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and artisan empowerment A key milestone in this journey has been the Hadithi Artisan Manual, implemented across all 65 artisan groups to strengthen policies on harassment prevention, child labor eradication, and workplace rights
photobyLouisnderi
1 Sustainability REPORTING
Understanding our Raw Materials
In 2024, we invested significant effort in analyzing the origins and ecological footprints of our materials Sourcing the most sustainable option is rarely straightforward, as impact depends on multiple factors, including material type, supplier, and production location To navigate this complexity, we developed a Materials Matrix, a tool that visualizes the social and environmental impact of each material and supports our clients in making informed choices.
3
Our First Sustainability Report
For years, sustainability has been at the heart of our business but we never really put it all on paper. In 2024, we finally took on the challenge of gathering everything we knew about both people and planet into one report It was challenging Much of the knowledge was in our team’s heads, and compiling took time This report serves as a baseline, helping us reflect on where we stand and guiding future choices, policies, and improvements
2
Mapping Our Supply Chain
We made significant progress in tracing our supply chain, enhancing transparency and accountability in our sourcing practices This year, we gained deeper insight into the certifications our suppliers offer and their significance We also explored their efforts in sustainable dyeing, as well as their water and electricity usage, helping us make more informed and responsible sourcing decisions
in 2025
We’re setting up a collaboration with HOGENT
In 2025, we’re excited to team up with students from a Belgian higher education institution! They’ll help us make sense of European sustainability legislation and figure out our top priorities for a more responsible future
clients OURPARTNERS
a n d m a n y o t h e r s .
Peru
YO DECIDO
(I decide)
Essential to preventing teenage pregnancies is Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE). Unfortunately, in Peru, it is not widely available due to a lack of proper teacher training and cultural taboos That’s where we step in Through interactive workshops blending sexual education with personal development workshops and art therapy, we deliver accurate information to high school students while fostering their personal development, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make better life choices
91% 987
youngsters are reached
In august 2024, youth space, pr discuss sex edu Free of cost and accurate inform struggle with lim connect with you
90
teenagers (12-17 years) receive contraceptive
81%
know how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy (45% initially) now express their emotions freely and creatively
teenagers (12-29 years) receive individual counselling
Peru
EMMA
The EMMA project aims to support young teenage mothers in Ayacucho, as many of them face maternity without support. Through home visits and group workshops, the program strengthens parenting skills, emotional wellbeing, builds support networks, and promotes autonomy, helping them create a more stable and promising future.
Rightsawarenessandviolenceprevention
teenage mothers and their children are accompanied
times a partner of a teenage mothers participated in a session
prevent a second pregnancy
“MynameisAriana,Iam16yearsold,andIhavean11-month-oldbaby Togetherwithmytwo brothers,welivewithmygrandmotherandauntsincemymotherpassedaway.Ourfatherleftus andonlysends200soles(€50)everytwomonths.Lastyear,Ihadtoleaveschoolduetomy pregnancy,butIwasdeterminedtoreturn.Thisyear,Iresumedmystudies,attendedclassesevery weekend,andevencompletedhighschool.Mydreamistostudynursing.Throughthesupportofthe project,Ilearnedmanythingsnoonehadevertaughtme especiallyhowtogivelovetomyson.”
photobyMarieMonsieurforLNKnits
Peru
CAR
After 12 years of running a specialized shelter for adolescent mothers and teenage girls who were victims of violence, Solid recognized the importance of longterm sustainability and government responsibility. In 2023, we formalized an agreement with the Peruvian government (INABIF) to take over, a transition that officially took effect in January 2024.
While we hoped to maintain leadership for continuity, this was not feasible Several leadership changes created instability, and half of our original team left.
The team had to adapt to a new system in so many ways:
Increased bureaucracy and hierarchy, affecting decision-making and daily life at the shelter
A shift in the target group previously housing both teenage mothers and adolescent girls, CAR now exclusively shelters teenage mothers. Different team roles INABIF expanded the team to 22 staff for 9 teenage mothers and their children, adding specialized roles like a dietician, childcare worker, security personnel, and an education officer While this aimed to professionalize care, it was often frustrating for our team, who were used to a more flexible approach
Financial challenges, with delays in wages and shortages of materials for workshops and essential needs As INABIF struggled to cover these, Solid stepped in to ensure continuity
After eight months of interim leadership, a permanent director was appointed, with whom we have built a strong working relationship Seven former DIA team members also remained and were officially hired by INABIF, preserving years of experience within the shelter We continue to be dedicated to ‘our’ CAR and contribute through training and expertise-sharing, strengthening the quality of care
Solid agriculture
Peru MONTEFINO
185,500 87
5,376
30
Montefino is a farm and agrotourism project, just outside of Ayacucho, situated at 3,800 meters above sea level. Covering 60 hectares, it integrates dairy production, crop cultivation (including native potatoes, organic quinoa, strawberries, roses, and hydroponic plants), small animals, and agrotourism services such as lodging, dining, and farm tours. It markets its products both locally and nationally. The farm is fully managed by local staff and is made available through the support of Solid.
Liters of milk cows visitors staff members
photobySunnivaMidtskogen
Peru
SOLIDFOOD
Solid Food builds on Solid’s legacy, offering premium quinoa products sourced from Ayacucho, Peru. By partnering closely with local farmers, they ensure top quality, fair wages, and ongoing support through training and social programs.
In response to rising demand for local produce and a shortage of white quinoa from Peru, Solid Food expanded its supplier network across Europe in 2024 This strategic move not only offers diverse flavours and seed sizes but also helps meet every customer’s needs.
In 2024, Solid Food saw significant growth in volume and revenue. With the dedication of the Peruvian team and better collaboration between Peru and Belgium, over 500 tons of 100% EU organic quinoa were exported from Peru to Europe. Greater presence at trade fairs also expanded their customer base 2024 also marked a key focus on quality assurance By elevating standards in Peru and refining procedures, Solid Food proudly earned the BRC AA certificate. The price of white organic quinoa from Peru exceeded $3.00/kg in 2024!
Another key highlight in 2024 was a team-building event in Peru, strengthening team connections.
Looking ahead to 2025, the goal is to ensure sustainable growth of white quinoa from Peru. How? By boosting yields and lowering costs for farmers benefiting both producers and customers
150
to 200 farmers in Ayacucho trainings on irrigation, organic fertilizers, advanced harvesting machines, and testing of new quinoa varieties
5 60%
Organic quinoa
Peru
JOVEM
The JOVEM project supports rural youth (14–22) by addressing poverty, limited education, and economic challenges that drive urban migration. Through a threeyear weekend program, participants receive classes at the Montefino farm and individual follow-up, gaining entrepreneurial and agricultural skills while developing personally. With a learning-by-doing approach, the project fosters sustainable agriculture through diversification and innovation, changing communities and their future vision.
students participate in the training program
new businesses are set up of the students or entrepreneurs are girls
Students learn to set up a business with a solid plan, gaining financial literacy skills that help them avoid undervaluing their work, as many families traditionally do Students start earning incomes comparable to their parents' 500–600 soles (€150) monthly, but unlike their families' physically demanding labor, they achieve this through education-driven entrepreneurship Notably, 39% of these businesses employ 1 to 5 paid workers, allowing these young entrepreneurs to combine their business with higher education
students are members of our student-led cooperative Allin Pacha, with 67,566 PEN (€17,600) sales in 2024
Other: Dairy products (2) - Livestock (2) - Lettuce (1) - Restaurant (1)Chili’s(1) - Sale of supplements (1) Potatoes (1) & a bakery (1)
PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS
Stichting Huize Buitenveldert
F O R C R E A T I N G I M P A C T
Our financialS
IN 2024, WE RAISED €1.294.127
€354.417 from Philantropy
€939.710 from Ethical Handicrafts
IN 2024, WE ALLOCATED €1 690 764
€357.051 to our Social Projects
€1.183.611 to our Ethical Handicrafts Business
€150.102 to our Overhead this is fully self-funded and not covered by donations
Remaining balance
€396 637- this amount is entirely covered by our founders
To see more of our financials, please visit our website
*Based on our information avaialable in May 2025
help others, a mission made possible by your generous financial contributions We ensure that 100% of your donation is allocated directly to our projects, with all the Belgian overhead expenses managed by Solid Each project receives professional oversight to maximize impact
Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to our cause Additionally, donations exceeding €40 are eligible for a tax benefit!
More information on our website: https://www solidinternational be/support or support directly through this link
Pictures by : Isabel Corthier, Marie Monsieur for LNKnits, Sunniva Midtskogen, Dorien Daems - Sacha Kleinblatt, Louis Nderi & Solid Responsible publisher: Solid vzw, Kortrijksesteenweg 697, 9000 Gent (Belgium) Graphic Design by: Céline Drijkoningen & Mary Monalisa Kujur
www.solidinternational.be