Tie in today’s release of the LOVE BLOOMS TOTE, handmade in India by women like Vijaymala, with this week’s Raise Your Voice spotlight cause to raise awareness about Violence, Discrimination, Abuse Against Women! Working as a dignified Artisan partners with Trades of Hope creates safe jobs with fair wages — all of which are building blocks to brighter futures!
Vijaymala’s Story of Hope:
As a strong and healthy 18-year-old athlete and newlywed, Vijaymala was happily married and living with her husband and in-laws. One day while washing clothes, she stopped to help her bedridden mother-in-law adjust her TV antenna. When the antenna struck a power line, the electricity surged through her wet hands and stopped her heart.
Although Vijaymala’s heart began beating again, her fingers had to be amputated. Determined to not become a burden on her family, Vijaymala learned stitching in this workshop and is now financially independent.
“The accident changed the person I am. It made me a stronger person mentally and physically. I have enormous physical limitations. The damage is done, and there’s no coming back from that. But I consider myself really lucky to be alive. I don’t think I would have had the will and determination to make it to this level, as I have my own house today.”
Learn more about our Summer of Justice and download this week’s spotlight cause graphics HERE.
