Leading economists across the globe all believe that their is an answer to ending the cycle of poverty which plagues so many communities: women. This is because women invest 90% of any income that they make directly back into their families. And yet continually, indigenous women are last to find jobs in their local villages due to both racial and sexual discrimination. Mercado Global works everyday to change this. Started by two college students in 2004, Mercado Global targets and helps artisan women across the world who would like to sell their goods in large international markets. Although first small, this program through their motto of "Empower, Educate, Connect" has actually changed the lives of many women all over the globe.
This short excerpt from their website (mercadoglobal.org) explains just how stunningly their programs have worked:
In a region in which the average child attends school for just 1.9 years , 100% of our original partner artisans’ elementary school-aged children are in school for the third consecutive year.
Food security has more than doubled in the communities in which we work, and nearly 100% of our partner artisans now report having access to electricity and potable water. The role of women is changing, too: artisans report increased participation in household financial decision-making, and nearly half have held leadership positions in their communities.
With results like these, we can only feel inspired. Join the cause by supporting these artisans' work. We love these earrings, this tote, and this pillow!
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