WASP stands for Women Airforce Service Pilots, a group of 350,000 unsung heroes who flew over 60 million miles for the US Air force in World War II. Their job was to take over non-combat duties such as training other pilots, towing aircraft, and testing planes for the military so that male pilots were freed up to fly in combat missions. The WASPs contributions to the war effort were incalculable. Despite being forced to pay for their own flight training and lodging, and though they flew and died for their country just as their male counterparts did, they weren’t recognized with military standing until 1977. This year, 2022, is the 80th anniversary of this amazing organization and these brave women who fought for freedom.
OUR STRING DOLL ARTISTS are based in small villages in the mountains outside of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Crafting String Dolls is the main occupation for most of our artisans, which means a reliable income and improved living standards for their families and communities in their economically developing regions. When they are not making string dolls, many of our workers spend time taking care of their families and tending to their vegetable gardens for self-sufficiency. Some have other jobs such as sewing or working in shops and restaurants.