The first store to feature products made entirely by female detainees opened in Ostuni, near Brindisi, last week in time for Christmas shopping.
The opening is part of a not-for-profit initiative to sell bags, scarves, bracelets, iPad protectors and several accessories made by 20 women detained in the prisons of Lecce and Trani. The project was started by the Officina Creativa coop, founded in 2007.
The women who work on these products, made from recycled and salvaged materials, are regularly hired and paid for their work. The program is intended to provide professional training to help the women’s reintegration into society when they finish their jail time.
Prices range from eight to 25 euros.
The items are also available through the coop's e-commerce website.
All proceeds are used to finance the project.
