Macy's Rwanda Path to Peace project

 "When you look at the gorgeous hand-woven baskets sold on line and in Macy’s stores as part of the Rwanda Path to Peace program, it’s easy to see them solely as objects of beauty. It’s hard to imagine the journey the baskets and the women who make them have been on. In fact, each basket represents a journey towards reconciliation. 

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“

In 1994, we in America were totally unaware that a mass slaughter was taking place in Rwanda, a tiny country in the heart of Africa. In just three months, nearly a million people, 20% of the nation’s population, was massacred when tribal hatred between the Hutus and Tutsis turned into ethnic slaughter. Neighbor killed neighbor in one of the worst genocides in human history". 

"After the violence ended, many Rwandan women found themselves thrust into the unfamiliar role of being sole breadwinners for their families, since their husbands, fathers and sons had been killed. Others saw their husbands jailed for committing unspeakable atrocities. Despite this savage history, Rwanda today is a country of both hope and faith. Even though their physical and psychological wounds were fresh after the genocide, many women embraced an opportunity to heal. Weaving baskets became a way forward and a way towards peace. Women from both sides of the ethnic divide came together, wove baskets, and created an industry, which today supports thousands of Rwandan women and their families. One American woman who vowed to make a difference helped the Rwandan women – social entrepreneur, artist and activist, Willa Shalit. In 2005 Shalit showed the baskets to executives at Macy’s who committed to sell them and to go into business with the weavers in Rwanda. Macy’s offered them a hand up, not a handout".

Strong women want to work! They don’t want charity. Helping others may mean giving them the means to support themselves instead of giving them “things”.

Thirty thousand stitches in each basket shows commitment, care and pride. Even if you do not remember the mass killing you can appreciate the amazing quality that is in each piece. This is the season to give a gift that already gives lives to other just in it's making. I love backing organizations that keep giving back!