The other day I asked our deputy director in the Uganda office, Maggie, for some stories that I would be able to share in our studio; stories that will give us a better sense of where the Beaders are coming from and that could bring us to a closer understanding of their situation. She shared this one with me:
Our new group of Beaders (who have named themselves “Sanyu”, which means Joy) has members with disabilities, which have prevented them from escaping poverty in the past. It is clear, however, that with a steady income and the power of the groups’ belief in itself they will have a very good chance of moving beyond their previous limitations. For instance, there are two albino ladies in this group. Albinos are in great danger in Uganda as they are often killed and their body parts used in witchcraft rituals. In addition to that horror, many people think albinos are bad luck and will not do business with them, so the Entrepreneurial staff here in our office is working with them to create businesses they can do without relating directly with the public. The real change, though, is in the women themselves. Being a part of a caring community has brought about amazing changes in their self esteem and sense of empowerment. They once entered the gate as shy and frightened women waiting to be rejected, now they are laughing and smiling and have become important members of the group. And, for their part, the other Beaders are learning to overcome their prejudices against albinos and are learning to see them as individuals. It is a small step forward in social justice.
I felt a few happy tears after this story. A part of me would like to be right there in Uganda to witness this experience and the other part of me realizes that I need to be right here to celebrate through bead sales. So, I will hold up my single long burgundy necklace and toast the woman by sharing their story with our store customers and you.
Tags: Beaders, BeadforLife, Empowering Women, Sanyu, Uganda