Redeeming Identities
Women around the world face all sorts of hardships that I don’t think we can really wrap our heads around here in the US. Up until about three years ago I was completely naive to what some women around the world are facing. And if I’m being honest,
maybe I was aware, but I just didn’t really want to see because I thought there was nothing really meaningful I could do to help. Then I found Trades of Hope. Trades of Hope not only awakened me to a whole new world of suffering at the hands of poverty but also to a solution – a tangible way to make changes in the lives of real people.
Trades of Hope’s mission is to empower women out of poverty around the world by helping them to create their own sustainable incomes. We do this through the sale of handmade goods designed and created by beautiful, talented, hard-working women in 18 countries around the world. We work with artisans in countries like Haiti, India, Uganda, and Cambodia.
While most of the world sees these people as impover
ished and in need of our charity, Trades of Hope recognizes their worth and dignity. Things like bracelets, necklaces, scarves, handbags, and home decor become more than just accessories. These handcrafted pieces are helping to redeem the identity of nations as we begin to see their people as capable, talented, respectable craftsman and business owners who are producing quality products.
Trades of Hope is giving a voice to women around the world who have had no voice. Families are being made whole. Children are receiving educations. The cast out are finding a place to belong. Hope is being reignited, and identities are being redeemed through this purposeful work. I’m thankful for the opportunity to reach my hand across oceans and empower these women to not only dream but to make those dreams come true.
