The Firaisankina Silk Weavers Cooperative is an organization of over 100 Malagasy women dedicated to preserving and promoting the local tradition of hand-made cloths called 'lambas.' Embodying the Malagasy proverb that 'one silk strand is strong, but when they are woven together they are stronger,' these enterprising women joined together to better approach the emerging market for high-quality, naturally-dyed shawls which have grown beyond traditional use and are now chic accessories as well. The weavers live in a small rural community in Madagascar called Soatanana. Their village has about 300 people and lacks running water and electricity. Most people in the area are subsistence farmers and have no reliable income. In 2003, the co-op was formed to provide steady long-term income for the weavers and their families as well as to revive the beautiful historical silk art form. Since the co-op was formed, the weavers' overall household income has increased by 70%. Description from various websources.