Although I am a day late, I still value this day a great deal. A lot has been done in the world of fashion and commerce to not only celebrate women workers and artisans but to empower them as well. Many up-and-coming companies today (many started by women, in fact) have taken the theme inspiring change to heart. Inspiring change is exactly what these companies are doing--- providing women (both locally and internationally) with jobs, education and opportunity to better their lives.
It's such a great time to be celebrating this day. I feel as though the theme will carry-on throughout the year as we see more women make history and create change in their worlds for the better.
Below, I've rounded-up some International Women's Day inspired T-shirts and I've listed some of my favorite women-empowering companies (like the ones I've mentioned above).
What will you do this year to inspire change?
-S&P
Empowering T-Shirts
Shirt is union-made and union-printed.
Also ethically made, this shirt is made in America from 100% cotton using natural non-toxic dyes.
Unfortunately, this shirt is currently sold-out (it was popular), but I'm hoping it will come back soon...
It's sweatshop free, of course, and made in America from vegan and organic materials.
Shop to Support Women Workers
"Global Girlfriend was created by Stacey Edgar in 2003 to help women worldwide gain economic security while providing you unique products and a simple way to help women in need. Our fair-trade boutique offers a line of trend-setting, women-made, fair-trade products including stylish apparel, accessories and gifts with one purpose -- helping women in need help themselves. We believe passionately that economic opportunity for women holds the promise for real change in the world; because when women have an income, they reinvest in themselves and in their children's health, education and nutrition, building stronger families and communities over time."
"Sseko Designs is an ethical fashion brand based in Uganda. In addition to handbags and accessories, we make beautiful leather sandals with interchangeable fabric straps that can be styled in hundreds of ways.
Sseko began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. And it is working! Every woman who has graduated from Sseko is currently pursuing her college degree or has graduated from university and is on her way to making our world a more beautiful place.
In addition to our university-bound team, Sseko also employs women from all walks of life. By creating an environment of dignity, honor and dedication, Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for marginalized women in East Africa to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society." -Read more about their story here.
Also located in Uganda, the 31 bits story is much like the one above. Instead of sandals, female artisans create beautiful, designer jewelry from recycled paper beads. The 31 Bits program not only provides a stable income for these workers, but it also provides health education, finance training, counseling, and business training.
"We work with our beneficiaries in Uganda to create fashionable, quality products. They earn an income enabling them to provide for their families. We care for them holistically through counseling, health education, finance training, and business mentorships. After five years in our program, our beneficiaries are ready to graduate. A graduated beneficiary has her own business and is educated, healthy, and confident. She is empowered." -To read more about their mission, check out their website.