November 18, 2009
In the U.S, years of tireless efforts by gender equality activists have elevated the rights of women by leaps and bounds. While the average U.S. woman’s salary is still a fraction of that of her male counterparts, we are often incognizant of the degree to which a lack of income-earning opportunities is the reality for the majority of women in this world.
A recent article brilliantly demonstrates that this reality not only affects us, but unless reforms are made, our future food supply will be severely threatened. Studies show that women produce nearly 80% of the food supply yet own only 2% of the land. This statistic is indicative of the barriers women in much of the developing world face in taking ownership of their own economic fate. Unless something is done to address this injustice, limitations in food supply will surely arise and this will no longer be an issue that should concern us, it will be a concern for all of us.
In response, the Rural Development Institute has recently launched the Global Center for Women’s Land Rights in order to create global policy reform. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed this issue at the G-8, sharing that the Obama Administration would include this issue as a key component of its international agricultural initiatives. She stressed the importance of investing in women as a means of creating lasting change.
To learn more about an organization which is investing in women to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable economic development check out Global Goods Partners.
November 9, 2009
Last week, millions of U.S. children trick-or-treated for candy. In Indonesia, the Melati 12 go out in search of candy wrappers all year round. Sugary treats are the bane of dentistry in the U.S., but in Indonesia candy wrappers are the link to nutrition. How could this be?!?
In Jakarta, Indonesia the Melati 12 earn a living by collecting what others discard. The Melati 12, in connection with Mercy Corps Indonesia, collect candy wrappers and laundry pouches. They transform trash into treasures and create sustainable livelihoods in the process. The discarded candy wrappers and laundry pouches escape the landfill and instead are given new life through masterful transformation into eyeglass cases, cell phone cases and durable bags. Take a look:
http://www.globalgoodspartners.org/cart/results.cfm?cbo=4126
Aside from the sustainable livelihood that results from their craftsmanship and ingenuity, the Melati 12’s work actually has ‘health’ benefits. The Melati 12 are aligned with a Mercy Corps Indonesia initiative dedicated to addressing improvements in nutrition and health for children under five, and promoting environmental campaigns such as improved water sanitation and waste management.
Candy has never tasted sweeter!
October 21, 2009
Back in August 2007, the residents of Penjaringan in North Jakarta experienced a devastating fire. The fire erupted below a toll road, destroying the makeshift homes that had developed below and causing major damage to the toll road itself. The issue of how the area beneath the toll roads should be dealt with has long been a contentious issue in Indonesia. These areas often become garbage dumps and crime-ridden areas.
The residents of Penjaringan have decided to take an active role in their community. On the UN-designated World Habitat day, citizens and government officials met to discuss the future of the space below the toll road. Together, they considered various proposals on how best to deal with the 500 meter long stretch of land.
Since January, Mercy Corps and the Development of Community Under Elevated Road Group have worked with the people to get an understanding of what is really desired by the community. The general consensus is that the area should be a public space for education, so that kids may have an open space to learn and play.
Clearly, the destructive fire of 2007 can not compete with the fire in the community of Panjaringan to recreate the space, in a more beautiful and constructive way.
http://www.globalgoodspartners.org/detail/news.cfm?news_id=54&id=92
October 7, 2009
Global Goods Partners (GGP) works with community-based organizations all over the world, including organizations in politically sensitive areas. One such organization is the Karen Women’s Organization in Thai Burma. The Karen Women’s Organization, in association with GGP, is empowering women to participate in political and peacemaking efforts and promotion of gender equality. The organization provides health and education access to women living in refugee camps. This amazing story is one you have to see for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/user/globalgoodspartners
September 29, 2009
The name “Rann Kala” translates to “art of the desert” but to the women of the Kutch district of India it translates to opportunity, empowerment and social advancement.
Rann Kala, one of Global Goods Partners newest Community-Based Organizations, was founded in response to the destruction caused by the 2001 earthquake in Western India. This earthquake damaged an already weak economy in a rural, arid region. Historically, the people of the Kutch region have worked primarily as semi-nomadic cattle herders and subsistence farmers but this way of life has become increasingly difficult to maintain. Many of the men have left this rural region to obtain employment in the cities, leaving the women to look after large families. When you add in the fact that many of the ethnic groups within the Kutch region make up some of the most discriminated against groups in India and that cultural stigma prevents women from leaving the home to look for work, you come to understand just how important an organization like Rann Kala really is!
The beautiful thing about Rann Kala is that it provides women with skills training and product development assistance so that they are able to generate an income. The benefit of this is two-fold: they gain the respect of their family and community based on their ability to provide and they feel empowered travel outside of their homes. The craft production also gives these women the funding to send their children to school.
The process of craft production not only provides a livelihood to a marginalized population, it maintains an age-old art form and gives the world access to the art of batik. Batik is a meticulous fabric-dying technique, which results in intricate, unique prints. Rann Kala, with the help of batik, has made an imprint on the people of the Kutch District.
To learn more:
https://www.globalgoodspartners.org/template/producer.cfm?cbo=4845
September 23, 2009
Life is not easy for the over 4 million Internally Displaced People (IDP) of Colombia, but life is even more difficult if you happen to be an indigenous woman. In a country engaged in a 40-year drug war, violence is widespread and opportunities beyond the drug trade are few.
Opitagua, one of Global Goods Partners’ Community-Based Organizations, is making a difference in the lives of the people of Neiva by providing training in a sustainable and alternative livelihood. Neiva is a city of 400,000 with a large community of refugees. Opitagua provides training in handicraft production as well as in merchandising, commission, sales and other business skills, so that the work can expand to help even more families. The materials used for the crafts are purchased locally, thereby supporting enterprise in the community.
The artisans of Opitagua use the tagua seed to create jewelry and various other crafts. Tagua is a nut that comes from a type of palm tree found in South and Central America. Tagua is generally harvested once it has fallen off the tree and after animals have consumed its edible exterior. When polished, this white, carve-able nut makes a foolproof, sustainable substitute for ivory.
For the women of Opitagua one thing is for sure, when you plant a tagua seed, opportunity grows.
Get to know the women of Opitagua and their alpaca artistry:
http://www.globalgoodspartners.org/template/producer.cfm?cbo=4835
September 22, 2009
“El Hombre Sobre la Tierra (HST)” is one of Global Goods Partners newest Community-Based Organizations. This organization is located in the Yucatan and provides assistance to Mayan women—arguably Mexico’s most marginalized and restricted people.
The practice of embroidery has a long history within the Mayan culture and thanks to “El Hombre Sobre la Tierra” cultural preservation and increased rights for women go hand-in-hand. This organization provides women with transportation and a means of earning a living in an environment where women are generally barred from even leaving the home.
HST also provides Mayan women with small irrigation plots so that they can compete with men in the male-dominated agriculture industry. These women are taught sustainable agricultural practices, replacing the damaging practice of slash and burn agriculture.
In addition to providing economic opportunities HST is in the process of opening a community center, which will empower women to participate politically in the Mayan Community. Wow, talk about a top stitch!
http://www.globalgoodspartners.org/cbo/HSLT/
September 21, 2009
GGP is happy to welcome 9 new partners, representing 5 new countries! GGP currently works with 45 Community-Based Organizations in 22 different countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.
One of our new partners is the Maasai Women Development Organisation based in Tanzania. This organization focuses on economic empowerment, human rights, adult literacy, girl’s education, health services and health education in HIV/AIDS prevention. These services are of particular importance to the Maasai people whose semi-nomadic subsistence way of life has been threatened by large-scale agricultural and business developments. GGP’s new partnership with the Maasai Women Development Organisation provides a wealth of new opportunities for the Maasai women and girls, while providing GGP aficionados access to the vibrant, elaborate beadwork the Maasai people are famous for!
In other news, finding your favorite high-quality handicrafts and empowering women just got easier—and sleeker! GGP recently re-launched its webpage with a sleeker more intuitive design, updated content on our partners and products and a re-designed shopping cart feature.
Please take a moment to meet our new partners and check out the new look of Global Goods Partners:
www.globalgoodspartners.org
August 24, 2009
Much to the joy of the GGP bloggers here at Fair Trade Local, the latest New York Times Magazine devoted itself entirely to the topic of global women’s rights. This issue–a must read for any and everyone–provides a convincing argument that the well-being of women around the world is the key to progress, national security, development and health. Amen to that!
While every piece is certainly worth the read, the following are the “must-drop-everything-you’re-doing-and-read-now” articles that will inform, edify and hopefully spur you to action:
“Why Women’s Rights are the Cause of Our Time”
The perfect anecdote to to the nay-sayers out there who think women’s rights is a “soft,” “feminine” issue. This Nick Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn cover piece will give you a good grounding on the issues and move you with powerful stories of real-life women. Another perk? The article highlights the transformative power of handicrafts in the lives of women around the globe.
New York Times Magazine: "The Women's Crusade"
“Hillary Clinton’s Latest Campaign”
In this short article-interview, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shares her insight on women’s rights work and makes clear that the empowerment and well-being of women and girls is a top priority of the new administration.
The New York Times
“A School Bus for Shamsia”
One journalist’s enlightening reflection on his experience with the female victims of acid attacks in Afghanistan.
The New York Times
To take action to support women’s rights around the globe, support the work of Global Goods Partners by clicking here.
August 6, 2009
CROSSING MIDNIGHT, a short documentary about the health crisis in Eastern Burma, will be featured as part of the International Documentary Association’s DocuWeeks at New York City’s IFC Center. The film highlights the incredible work of healthcare workers in Burma and along the Thailand-Burma border. With rarely seen footage from inside the jungles of Eastern Burma, it is a must see for human rights and Burma advocates as well as those wanting to learn more about the plight of people in Eastern Burma. These screenings are an opportunity for Crossing Midnight to be considered for an Academy Award nomination so come along!
Watch the trailer.
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