*note all posts about this project can be found in the left hand column under the heading ‘Path to Peace”

Most people are familiar with Rwanda because of the ongoing genocide that began in 1994 Within only 100 days, there were more than one million deaths leaving 70% of it’s population female. The country has been in a state of economic distress ever since. In an effort to rebuild and strengthen their communities, the women of Rwanda rekindled the artistic tradition of weaving jewelery, baskets, and other products. Their strength, courage, and rich African history is reflected in the products that are being sold through a partnership between Fair Winds Trading and Macy’s.

Spearheaded three years ago by Willa Shalit and her company Fair Winds Trading, Path to Peace developed an American market for Rwandan women’s crafts. It creates trade partnerships with artisans in recovering regions to bring the power of change to Rwanda and Indonesia. Shalit believes that women helping each other can change how Rwanda rebuilds its society, empowers women and sustains economic development beyond traditional development assistance.

I was recently asked by The Blogrollers to become a Path to Peace Ambassador to help spread the word about the program and am honored to introduce you to a few of the products. This is a wonderful cause that allows women to help each other become self-sufficient and prove once and for all that we are in fact the true nurturers of society. It is a great movement and I urge you to show your support today by contributing to this cause. And be sure to check out Willa Shalit’s live online chat in which she discusses  the “trade not aid” concept in which she so deeply believes.

The O Bracelet

The O Bracelet was just featured in… Continue reading →