On that note, I purchased a birthday gift for myself that left me feeling like I made a small difference in someone else's life. While reading one of my favorite blogs, I came across an amazing organization/company called fashionABLE. Their mission is to "create sustainable business for Africans so they are not dependent upon charity, but instead earn the dignity of a job. We offer opportunity to everyone, with a primary focus on empowering women. When we invest in a woman, statistics demonstrate that she has a life-changing impact on her family and community...and herself." Truly, what cold be better than making a purchase that has this great of an impact on someone else's life?
These women in Ethiopia create beautiful scarves and leather goods (I purchased the clutch) that allow them to feel needed, important and productive in a community where they used to experience far less rewarding means of providing for their families. I was so taken by their stories, by this mission, that I had to be a small part of it. I investigated the website further to find there are ways to volunteer or work for this organization that could allow for much greater involvement in creating change. But for now, I'll use my clutch and be reminded of how grateful I am to be a woman who has choices, a woman who has a home and a family, a woman who feels empowered to have my voice be heard. I am also sharing it with you in hopes that you too will make a purchase or share this with a friend so that more opportunities are created for these courageous women in Africa who are dreaming big!
