Tag Archives: International Womens Day

International Women’s Day – March 8th

- Posted by to Fair Trade News General

March 8th is International Women’s Day!

international-womens-day

Photo Courtesy of Half the Sky

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Equality for women is progress for all” emphasizes how gender equality, empowerment of women, women’s full enjoyment of human rights and the eradication of poverty are essential to economic and social development. This years theme truly embraces the meaning of Fair Trade, empowering and enriching the lives of those living in poverty around the world.

Many of the women Seven Hopes United helps support are not only the head of the household, but leaders in the community, women creating change to provide a better world now and in the future.

Seven Hopes United helps support:

        • Young women in Uganda working toward their college education – to pursue their dreams & create change! To date, with our partners Sseko Designs, we’ve enabled 47 women to continue on to university.
        • Women in Cambodia that are in need of healing & are working to rebuild their lives after being victims of sex trafficking. Through our partners Malia Designs and Five Accessories we are helping to provide a life of dignity and respect, as well as the opportunity for a sustainable income.
        • Women in India and Bangladesh that have suffered the effects of extreme poverty and sex trafficking, living in the slums. Through our partners ConneXions, we’ve received some of the most beautiful kantha quilts, and we’ve helped provide a better life for hundreds of women through a sustainable fair income.
        • Women in the far-reaching parts of the world like Kyrgyzstan – in a part of the world where there are few opportunities for women we’ve helped support small felting businesses that provide food, shelter, and education to their families .

Please join us in watching this short video from Half the Sky, for an excellent example of how women are empowering one another and inspiring change within their communities:

One thing all of these women have in common is that they have overcome poverty through fair trade, by coming together, and they are using the opportunities given to them to provide a better life for their families.

All over the world people on March 8th will celebrate women and their accomplishments for International Women’s Day. We hope that through sharing the stories of the women who inspire us we will also inspire something in YOU. These women are our mothers, daughters, and sisters, and our community’s small business owners, teachers, political leaders, farmers, community health workers, activists, and more.

Please join us in the fight against poverty, hunger, and injustice by empowering our sisters through Seven Hopes United and in your own community.

International Women’s Day

- Posted by to Fair Trade News General

Women's Day
Psst—do you know what today is? Besides March 8 (and Friday, which is always worth a mention)?

It’s International Women’s Day! Every year since the early 1900s, this holiday has marked the achievement of women in society and celebrated our diverse heritage as business women, mothers, artists, teachers, and passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Women from every corner of civilization are honored on this day every year through craft markets, dance and theater performances, political rallies, conferences, and more. Every year on March 8, more than 1,000 International Women’s Day events take place around the world, hosted by women’s groups, charities, businesses, and individuals. To read more about the history of International Women’s Day, click here.

This global celebration serves as a fresh reminder that women contribute to society in countless powerful ways. The women behind ConneXions are a fabulous example of this—this group makes our gorgeous sari throws and scarves. These young women from the slums in Kolkata, India, have escaped sex trafficking and now receive training and job opportunities, which gives them sustainable income for a brighter future.

Seven Hopes United pairs with several other women’s groups in developing countries. Our beautiful 31 Bits necklaces come from Uganda. 31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families.

In addition, some of our most popular Springtime sellers are the breezy Sseko sandals and straps from Uganda. This women’s group makes interchangeable fabric straps for sandals that can be styled in hundreds of ways. Sseko began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. This rapidly growing company has graduated three classes of women; every woman who has completed her training with Sseko is currently pursuing her college degree. To read more about these amazing women and some of their individual journeys, click here.

How are you celebrating International Women’s Day? Had you heard of the holiday before? Go out and find an event near you and help celebrate all of our beautiful sisters of the world today!

XO,

Casey