Since it was launched in 2013 Mend’s Mini Messenger bag has received quite a few compliments. It is compact when compared to our traditional Messenger bag, comes in three beautiful colors and features genuine leather accents and durable canvas. What’s not to love?
At Invisible Children, we are more excited by the fact that this bag was handcrafted for you in Uganda by a woman affected by the LRA conflict. The effects of war – abduction, rape, forced marriage, displacement – and the fact that they have witnessed many terrible things could have led each of the 22 Mend seamstresses to give up on planning for their futures. But each of these women found the strength to work through their challenges. Their growing confidence and commitment to giving their children a better life, paired with the economic and psychosocial support at Mend, helped them flourish.
Each of the ladies reached marked levels of empowerment so Invisible Children felt that it was time to let the women shine. It has been almost three months since the women graduated from the Mend program and they continue succeeding. Almost all have purchased their own sewing machines to continue tailoring. They grow and sell produce in the market, invest in livestock and know how to manage their money with a savings plan.
This Photo Friday we encourage you to look inside your Mend bag to find the name of the seamstress who made it. You can also find her fingerprint stamped on your bag’s strap.
Remember, she is a real woman with feelings, a family and a bright future she is crafting for herself.
TODAY, ALL MEND BAGS ARE 50% OFF. WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?
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