Rwanda Path to Peace Project

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.  

I vowed to help make a difference!  But where to start?

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. 

What is the 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!