Stories of Hope in Cambodia – Trades of Hope – (Read Time: 3 min.)
Empowering Differently Abled and Marginalized Women
This Artisan community in Cambodia that employs over 200 Artisans, including many differently abled women. Each workshop is carefully designed to passionately promote Artisan skill enhancement and innovative sustainability.
“Not only do they employ differently abled women and make sure workshops are appropriately equipped to resource each Artisan’s strength, but their focus on sustainability is exceptional. In a garden out back, they grow organic cotton (plus the Artisans’ daily lunch!) that is used to create products: ensuring fair trade practices throughout every aspect of the supply chain.” – Artisan Leaders in Cambodia
Dulsavon’s Story of Hope
“I worked in a factory before I joined this fair-trade cooperative.
This is much better, as here I receive training and learn new skills. I like to sew the best.
It used to be very difficult for me, but now I’m very skilled.
I’m happiest when I’m working a lot, but I still get to go home and rest and play with my children.
I have two kids. My daughter is nine and my son is five.” – Dulsavon
“This job helps me support my children and pay for their studies. Life is much better overall. I bought a bigger house. I used to ride a bike to work, but now I ride a motorbike. I’m able to provide a better life for my family.”
– Dulsavon, Artisan in Cambodia
Empowering Acid Attack Survivors in Cambodia
Trades of Hope is partnering with Artisans in Cambodia who are overcoming the trauma and stigma of acid attacks. These women have had acid thrown on them as a form of punishment or revenge. Traditionally, these survivors are considered outcasts and are often victims of discrimination and random violence.
As Artisans, these women who were once shamed, abused, neglected, and abandoned are now rising out of poverty to become independent businesswomen.
Jariya’s Story of Hope
Trades of Hope is partnering with an Artisan community in the Cambodia that provides safe jobs and dignified income for women survivors of acid attacks.
“My name is Jariya. One day someone flung a container of acid in my face.
It burned my face, and ran down my body, dissolving both my skin and my life.
The excruciating extensive burns threatened to take my life for months and since then, I’ve had to endure numerous surgeries to attempt to re-make my features and face to be normal again.”
A Message for YOU from Jariya
“I started this business to make goods by hand so that other women in my condition can earn their own living in safety and some measure of self-respect.”
– Jariya (Ya), Artisan in Cambodia
Love this. It’s so empowering. Sending blessings
I absolutely love Ya, I thank God she was able to overcome her tragedy and my dream is to meet her one day.