It’s Not Charity, It’s an Applause
When pondering about ways to empower women in poor sectors who come from low-income families, we can often make the mistake of seeing those women as victims of their circumstances. Below you will find our suggestions on how to shift your mindset towards these women. With the following tips you can positively empower female artisans from poor communities even within the comfort of your own home.
See the Angel in the Marble
While it’s true that their situations are often less than ideal, feeling sorry for them is not what turns the table for poor female artisans. At M&J we have discovered that in order to empower artisans from poor communities, we have to set aside socio-economic barriers and instead regard their craft for what it truly is–a masterpiece. As Michelangelo said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
By seeing beyond their financial situation, we can begin to truly appreciate their craft and actually notice how talented they are. If their financial situation were different, we would still buy the products to honor their quality, sustainability, art, and the intricate processes behind the handicrafts. So, why don’t we do just that? Choose to see the angel in the marble!
See the Hero in the Tragedy
In literature, every tragedy needs a hero, and in real life, we have found brave heroes who’ve turned tragedies into opportunities through their artisanship. If presented with the same circumstances as these poor women, many of us would feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Our own artisans at M&J have taught us the valuable lesson of finding joy in the simplest things. These women have chosen to flourish where they were planted. They’re not looking around at what they don’t have, instead, they have found ingenious ways to create beauty around them with what they do have.
Just take a look at our collections and you will find intricate beauty in their hand-embroidered patches as well as woven baskets! If we regard them as victims, we are not valuing them as individuals who have chosen to create beautiful things. Instead, we can empower them by recognizing their bravery to look beyond the tragedy around them and become the heroes of their own stories.
See the Impact You can Make
If we only admire their art and acknowledge their bravery, our inaction won’t move the needle. What these women need are cheerleaders who will not only support their craft through purchases, but also brag to the whole world about their talent. This is where we all come in.
To empower these women we need to choose to have an impact through our constant support. These women don’t need charity. What they truly need is for our applause to get louder so more people can begin to notice their worth and join in applause.
To make it easy for you, we have created two opportunities below for you to have an impact to empower these brave women even within the comfort of your own home.
