When a dream comes true: Yakan, a social enterprise for women artisans in Myanmar

In 2023, with the creation of OFW, a decisive step was taken. Julia Naw transferred YOUN SONE to the young women she had trained and joined this new structure. Driven by her determination and Yvonne's constant support on the ground, she extended her actions to other groups of women artisans, reaching an increasing number of beneficiaries despite an always fragile context.

By the end of 2025, 1,812 pieces were produced and sold. Given this success, the need to further structure the activity became evident. With the support of Swisscontact and OFW, Julia founded YAKAN, an independent social enterprise. She built a dedicated team and set up a space combining a showroom, workshop, and offices to support even more women.

On April 5, 2026, the official inauguration of YAKAN marked the transition from a pilot project to a structured social enterprise, capable of generating a lasting impact on the local economy and the lives of artisans. The event brought together over 60 people (to be confirmed), including key partners, artisans, and long-standing friends and supporters. It strengthened the network and opened up promising new collaboration opportunities.

Julia's speech:

“Several years ago, I started working with other artisans, driven by a simple idea: to create opportunities through our know-how and traditions. At first, it was modest. We were just a handful of people, moving step by step. But we believed in what we were doing. We were convinced that our traditional fabrics and artisanal skills had their place in the world — not only here in Myanmar, but also internationally. Today, YAKAN is the fruit of this journey. It is not just a business; it is a community of women, artisans, and partners growing together.”

Yvonne's speech:

“What you see here tonight is something very rare: a project that is both deeply rooted locally and already internationally connected. With YAKAN, we are building a bridge between Myanmar's artisans and global markets. This next step will focus on: structure, quality, and scale. And to succeed, we need strong collaborations. Tonight is therefore not just a celebration — it is also an invitation to build something together.”

A Unique Positioning

YAKAN is not limited to being a simple production site. Its role is multifaceted and innovative. The company acts as a true support and development platform for artisans, combining several complementary functions:

• Training and supporting artisans to improve product quality, design, and understanding of European market expectations. Unlike traditional short-term training, often limited to a few months and without concrete opportunities, YAKAN offers continuous support to artisans.
• To learn more about this approach, read our article:
• Playing an aggregator role by centralizing and organizing the work of more than 60 artisans and micro-enterprises, thereby creating an ecosystem where skills, resources, and opportunities are shared.
• Providing a shared workspace including a showroom, offices, a training and storage area, to bring all activities under one roof and create a stimulating environment for artisans.
• Implementing processes and standards, with a competent team, to optimize production, professionally manage orders, and master export processes.
• Facilitating access to international markets, by managing relationships with foreign buyers and developing new commercial opportunities, particularly through events and trade fairs.

Thus, YAKAN represents the realization of Julia's dream: transforming a pilot project into a social enterprise capable of having a real and lasting impact, while empowering women to develop their skills, increase their income, and access responsible international markets.