At a recent
college
lecture series I attended regarding global issues, one of the main themes
was that in order to make a REAL change in third world countries, the best way
to do it is through the women of that nation.
Countless
organizations who work in poverty stricken countries report that women have proved to be a more
efficient avenue than men for effecting change.
Women who learn a way to better themselves, whether through education or
economics, then use that resource to benefit their family. In
turn, investing in a woman, then benefits the family, which ultimately leads to
benefiting a whole village.
You can imagine my
surprise when just a few weeks later I was offered the opportunity to work with
Macy*s Department Store in their Rwanda Path to Peace
project.
After the 1994 Rwanda
genocide, roughly one million citizens, mostly men, were brutally murdered,
leaving this tiny nation with a population made up of nearly 70% women. The women, devastated by their loss, turned to
what they knew best, communal efforts to keep their families together. One such
effort involved working together in ways to preserve their heritage using the
ancient art form of basket weaving.
While visiting the country
in the aftermath of the genocide, members of the United Nations Development Fund
for Women (UNIFEM), observed these women weaving these beautiful baskets
and working with UNIFEM supporter and American businesswoman Willa Shalit, eventually
the Rwanda Path to
Peace project was organized.
Macy*s Department Store
quickly came on board and offered the very first line of these baskets in 2005.
Offered exclusively online and in Macy*s Herald Square store, the baskets now
enable these woman to earn a real, sustainable income for the first time in
their lives.
Focused on trade, not aid, the Rwanda Path to Peace
project puts the power of opportunity into the hands of the women of Rwanda. They now employ over 2,500 weavers and impact
tens of thousands of lives. Each basket
is 100% handmade using the centuries old technique that is part of their
heritage and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Macy*s is helping to change
the world through women! Take a moment to look at some of the baskets that are available by clicking on "Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets" below. It's that easy to make a difference!
Read about: the Rwanda Basket Weavers
Shop the Baskets: Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets
Note: As part of my partnership with Macy*s Rwanda Path to Peace project I received this beautiful basket at no cost.
"If only you had known this day the things that make for peace"...Luke 19:42
Purchase your unique basket here and help make a difference!
Purchase your unique basket here and help make a difference!
What a great cause! Women helping women!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Macy*s Path to Peace Project is changing the world, one basket at a time! Hope you become a "basket-girl" too!
DeleteWhat an awesome post!!! Your knowledge about Rwanda is so refreshing and your perspective is really powerful. Women are so powerful! Thanks for posting about Path to Peace, working with this project has been an honor and we truly appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteKelly, my pleasure. This is such an important cause!
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