Employ 100 Rural Women: Create a sustainable Haiti

The year is almost over and we couldn't be more proud of the women. There are have been so many ups and downs but they continue to persevere.

In terms of sucess, our artisans have produced a record of 3000 nightgowns and almost 18,000 reusable sanitary pads. To date, we have sold about 10,000 pads locally on market days. Our sewers get to decide if they want to sell as well as produce pads. Most decide to join. They've mentioned this is another financial opportunity they can't pass up as they get to keep the funds they make. 

On the other hand, Haiti's civil unrest has touched the lives of our artisan women.  There’s the existential struggle of fear and uncertainty of Haiti’s future, as well as tangible obstacles like gas and food shortages, and rising prices.  One simple fact: it has been close to impossible to get any shipments of supplies in or out of the capital, and the lack of raw materials means no work for our women.

We now have been working extra hard to keep them working as we look into making more upcycled products with raw materials from the local markets. 

We'll keep you updated!

 This past month, we partnered with another organization where our lead sewer trained two of their seamstresses on pads. After a 4 hour day training, they each left with packs of pads they themselves produced. It was a hit! With their newfound knowledge, they will train young girls and women at a summer camp in Central Plateau. We are very excited about the potential and impact that this project can have and we are proud that others will have access to reusable pads in this region. We’re hoping that we can continue to partner with like minded organizations and that this model can be replicated around the country.

Additionnaly, ten sewing machines arrived last week in the artisanat workshop. This means we get to train and employ 20 more women from the surrounding communities and produce more pads. We couldn’t be more thrilled! Since April, we produced 4,000 pads and sold 450 pads. We distributed a majority of these pads on Mother’s Day and at multiple local events that we’ve sponsored in the community.