The Story Behind Dottegi: A Journey of Empowerment

The Story Behind Dottegi: A Journey of Empowerment

Bridging the Gap Between Artisans and Consumers

Dottegi was founded to bridge the gap between artisans in developing countries and consumers in developed nations. Through sustainable jobs and skill-building, we empower women—especially mothers—to support their families and communities. Our mission is to create lasting change by providing opportunities that go beyond charity, fostering financial independence and self-sufficiency.

Why Women Empowerment?

​Empowering women, particularly mothers, has a profound impact on family and community well-being. A study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization examined the effect of the provincial female-to-male wage gap on household educational expenditure for children in China. The study found that an increase in the female-to-male wage ratio is positively associated with individual households’ educational investment in children, especially in out-of-school expenditures. This suggests that as women's earnings approach parity with men's, families tend to allocate more resources toward their children's education.

Why Dottegi?

"Dottegi" is a word from a Korean local dialect that refers to a bustling market, a place filled with energy and opportunity. The term originated from Busan's International Market during the Korean War, where military goods and imported goods were actively traded. This historical marketplace became a hub of resilience and economic survival, symbolizing the power of commerce in rebuilding lives.

“I hope our Dottegi artisan marketplace becomes just as lively—filled with purpose, producing meaningful impact, and contributing to the development of communities across countries.” – Angela Hwang

A Journey Across Borders

Dottegi was founded by Angela Hwang, inspired by her experiences across India, South Korea, the Philippines, and other countries. Observing how sustainable economic models foster long-term development—particularly by empowering women—Angela envisioned Dottegi as a bridge connecting artisans from developing countries with global consumers.

With a focus on ethically sourced, eco-friendly products, Dottegi creates a system where both artisans and consumers benefit. By supporting women artisans with fair wages and training, we not only uplift individuals but also contribute to the well-being of entire communities.

How My Work Inspired Dottegi

Working with nonprofit organizations like Compassion International and Ek Kadam Aur Foundation provided firsthand insights into the cycle of poverty and its impact on education. In India, Angela interviewed blind students and discovered how critical parental support—especially from mothers—was in determining a child’s success. Even with access to the same educational programs, children with empowered mothers achieved far better outcomes.

Research supports this: when women control income, they invest more in their children’s education, health, and well-being, leading to positive outcomes for entire communities (IMF, Gates Foundation). This realization became the foundation of Dottegi’s mission: to empower mothers through sustainable work and training, enabling them to lift their families out of poverty.

The Birth of Dottegi: Empowering Mothers through Sustainable Opportunities

While studying at New York University’s Wagner School, Angela and her team focused on creating sustainable systems to break cycles of poverty. They realized that while donations are crucial, long-term impact requires a model that fosters financial independence rather than reliance on external aid.

South Korea’s transformation from a developing to a developed country served as a powerful example. Economic progress was not driven by donations but by business and industrial growth. Companies like Samsung and Hyundai played crucial roles in job creation and economic stability, uplifting millions. Inspired by this model, Angela envisioned Dottegi applying the same principle—empowering artisans through meaningful work while connecting them with conscious consumers worldwide.

Dottegi’s Mission in Action

Dottegi connects artisans from developing countries with a global audience that values ethical craftsmanship. Our products are:

  • Ethically Sourced – Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions

  • Eco-Friendly – Promoting sustainable materials and processes

  • Handcrafted with Purpose – Each purchase supports artisans and their communities

By choosing Dottegi, consumers do more than buy a product—they become part of a movement to empower women, strengthen families, and uplift communities worldwide.

Looking Forward

Dottegi is more than a marketplace—it’s a platform for change. Every purchase creates a ripple effect, helping women artisans gain financial independence, send their children to school, and build a brighter future. As we grow, we remain committed to expanding our impact, reaching more artisans, and inspiring consumers to shop with purpose.

Join us in making a difference—one handcrafted piece at a time.

 

References

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