Similar to Sutisana, Trades of Hope rescues women, across the globe, out of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and/or poverty by offering them jobs in artisan trades. In these employment opportunities, these women are trained to create beautiful jewelry and handcrafted products. In addition to receiving dignified employment, these women also receive trauma counseling and education. Through this wholistic approach, these women are equipped and supported in their healing journey and ability to care for their families. Furthermore, because women in different corners of the world face different challenges–trades of hope cultivate and differentiate their resources based on the needs of the women within the specific demographic and culture which that specific branch of Trades of Hope is serving.
This organization was dreamed up by a mother-daughter team who wanted to help women find wholeness. As they brainstormed ideas for how to do this they discovered that women in need didn’t “want charity. They want an opportunity.” Out of this discovery, they formulated a business that create beautiful products which stand as the souvenirs of healing of those who made them. On their “story” page, Trades of Hope writes “every purchase supports a woman leading her family out of poverty. She doesn’t need pity or charity. She’s proud to be providing for her kids and being the hero of her own story.” These products include jewelry, handbags, and home goods. This organization crafts its products and prices to be conscientious of allowing people from all ranges of financial stability to partner with them in their mission to help women all around the world. Another unique factor that Trades of Hope offers is that they allow their customers to shop by cause. This allows them to reach people who are interested in their products and people who are passionate about certain causes and needs. These causes range from fighting child marriage to helping women leave abuse and discrimination, on their website you can click on these categories and buy products. The funds raised by the purchase of these products will go directly towards helping to conquer the problem in the cause category that customers are shopping within.
While this business is not explicitly Christian, they are driven by redemptive principles and are partnering with the restoration work that God is doing all around the world. From the excellence and beauty of their products to the holistic dignified work and hope of healing that they offer, I am inspired by the work that Trades of Hope is doing!
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Wow this is really awesome! The amount of human trafficking that goes on in this world is horrid to think about. The mental trauma that these women go through is something nobody should have too. Having an outlet like this for them is truly inspiring. Also, I believe a business can be redemptive despite not explicitly being Christian. God does work in so many ways.