News

In late 2025, a student of the University of Richmond initiated a women-only weaving centre in Pakistan. Later supported by the local STEP team, the centre integrates child care, health support, and rights awareness to improve working conditions in the country’s carpet sector.

Launched by Karnor Carpets and EPSA-Nepal, the Karuna Universal Weaving Facility is Nepal’s first fully inclusive weaving centre—and with support from Label STEP Nepal, it’s creating dignified livelihoods for artisans with disabilities.

In COVER Magazine’s latest issue, Label STEP marks 30 years of advancing fair trade in the handmade rug industry with 30 things to love about STEP. This expanded version explores how STEP supports artisans, strengthens supply chains and promotes responsible, human-centred production.

STEP Partner Sumaq Alpaca operates a rug weaving workshop in Lima where rural Andean artisans are employed under formal conditions and trained in advanced weaving techniques using Peru’s primary natural fibre: alpaca.

Amid Afghanistan’s healthcare crisis, Label STEP has trained women carpet weavers as Community Health Workers to deliver basic medical care and education to underserved weaving communities through a growing, grassroots approach.

As COVER Magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary and 80th edition, Label STEP’s Reto Aschwanden reflects on three decades of advancing fair trade in the handmade rug industry—uplifting weavers’ livelihoods and securing the craft’s future.