Global Daughter

GD Jewelry at Beetz Me!

2011-09-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

Beetz Me! in Princeton, Illinois now has more Global Daughter jewelry, including the very popular Cleopatra Malla necklaces with plenty of time for holiday shopping.

If you are in the area, stop by and check out their fabulous gifts and pick up a bottle of wine while you're at it.

Cheers!

Global Daughter now at Pike Street Press!

2011-09-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Pike Street Press, located below Pike Street Market in downtown Seattle, is now carrying a few signature GD gifts. PSP is a custom letterpress studio and retail store/gallery. The antique printing press is worth the visit alone. Next time you are at the market have a look!

Summer with Global Daughter

2010-08-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

Global Daughter had a sunny summer full of parties and sharing with amazing women! From Tacoma to Los Angelels we were able to share the Global Daughter story and promote the artistry of all the women we work with in Nepal.

We can't wait for the sun to come out again!

Making a Connection

2010-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Erin met up with the Lakewood Capter of P.E.O International (Philanthropic Educational Organization) yesterday for an introduction of the Global Daughter Project. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission: promoting educational opportunities for women. Thank you to this fantastic local network, we are always so honored to team up with like-minded and women-focused organizations!

T'was a Trunk Show

2010-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

What a fun-filled event! Thank you to everyone who came out to The Global Daughter Trunk Show at La Medusa in Columbia City. The beautiful space together with the gorgeous hospitality of Jules and Julia made for a memorable Global Daughter moment! Erika and I were able to meet some fantastic people and introduce Global Daughter to some new friends.
Thanks to all!

The Girl Effect.

2010-03-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Why Should We Pay Attention to Girls?

Little research has been done to understand how investments in girls impact economic growth and the health and well-being of communities. This lack of data reveals how pervasively girls have been overlooked. For millions of girls across the developing world, there are no systems to record their birth, their citizenship, or even their identity. However, the existing research suggests their impact can reach much farther than expected.

The Ripple Effect

• When a girl in the developing world receives seven or more years of education, she marries four years later and has 2.2 fewer children.
(United Nations Population Fund, State of World Population 1990.)

• An extra year of primary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 10 to 20 percent. An extra year of secondary school: 15 to 25 percent.
(George Psacharopoulos and Harry Anthony Patrinos, “Returns to Investment in Education: A Further Update,” Policy Research Working Paper 2881[Washington, D.C.: World Bank, 2002].)

• Research in developing countries has shown a consistent relationship between better infant and child health and higher levels of schooling among mothers.
(George T. Bicego and J. Ties Boerma, “Maternal Education and Child Survival: A Comparative Study of Survey Data from 17 Countries,” Social Science and Medicine 36 (9) [May 1993]: 1207–27.)

• When women and girls earn income, they reinvest 90 percent of it into their families, as compared to only 30 to 40 percent for a man.

GD Trunk Show- March 28th

2010-03-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Global Daughter Trunk Show
@ La Medusa in Columbia City

Sunday, March 28th
2pm-5pm

25% off the entire collection!

Join Global Daughter for an exclusive event, hosted by Erin and Erika and sponsored lovingly by our favorite restaurant in Seattle, La Medusa. Erika will be up from LA and we are are looking forward to featuring our favorite Global Daughter pieces.

An array of cocktails, beer and wine will be available to enhance your shopping experience! Bring a friend and introduce them to the spirit and story of Global Daughter.

*Please shop with cash or check only

4857 Rainier Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98118

Haitian Women Leaders

2010-01-22T01:33:00.000-08:00

This is a tragic loss for the women's movement in Haiti. Every life lost has been tragic, but the loss of these women will be felt throughout the development community and the voiceless women that they fought for. Hope lies in a new generation of women leaders, a new group of inspired youth.

Women's movement mourns death of 3 Haitian leaders
By Jessica Ravitz, CNN

One returned to her Haitian roots, to give voice to women, honor their stories and shape their futures.
Another urged women to pack a courtroom in Haiti, where she succeeded in getting a guilty verdict against a man who battered his wife.
A third joined the others and helped change the law to make rape, long a political weapon in Haiti, a punishable crime.
Myriam Merlet, Magalie Marcelin and Anne Marie Coriolan, founders of three of the country's most important advocacy organizations working on behalf of women and girls, are confirmed dead -- victims of last week's 7.0 earthquake.

Remembering the victims of the Haiti earthquake
And their deaths have left members of the women's movement, Haitian and otherwise, reeling.
"Words are missing for me. I lost a large chunk of my personal, political and social life," Carolle Charles wrote in an e-mail to colleagues. The Haitian-born sociology professor at Baruch College in New York is chair of Dwa Fanm (meaning "Women's Rights" in Creole), a Brooklyn-based advocacy group. These women "were my friends, my colleagues and my associates. I cannot envision going to Haiti without seeing them."
Myriam Merlet was until recently the chief of staff of Haiti's Ministry for Gender and the Rights of Women, established in 1995, and still served as a top adviser. She died after being trapped beneath her collapsed Port-au-Prince home, Charles said. She was 53.

iReport: A tribute to Merlet
Merlet, an author as well as an activist, fled Haiti in the 1970s. She studied in Canada, steeping herself in economics, women's issues, feminist theory and political sociology.
In the mid-1980s, she returned to her homeland. In "Walking on Fire: Haitian Women's Stories of Survival and Resistance," published in 2001, she contributed an essay, "The More People Dream," in which she described what brought her back.
"While I was abroad I felt the need to find out who I was and where my soul was. I chose to be a Haitian woman," she wrote. "We're a country in which three-fourths of the people can't read and don't eat properly. I'm an integral part of the situation. I am not in Canada in a black ghetto, or an extraterrestrial from outer space. I am a Haitian woman. I don't mean to say that I am responsible for the problems. But still, as a Haitian woman, I must make an effort so that all together we can extricate ourselves from them."
I felt the need to find out who I was and where my soul was. I chose to be a Haitian woman. --Myriam Merlet, in her essay "The More People Dream"
She was a founder of Enfofamn, an organization that raises awareness about women through media, collects stories and works to honor their names. Among her efforts, she set out to get streets named after Haitian women who came before her, Charles said.
Dubbed a "Vagina Warrior," she was remembered Tuesday by her friend Eve Ensler, the award-winning playwright and force behind V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.
"She was very bold," said Ensler, who at Merlet's insistence brought her play "The Vagina Monologues" to Haiti and helped establish safe houses for women in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien. "She had an incredible vision of what was possible for Haitian women, and she lifted their spirits. ... And we had such a wonderful time. I remember her dancing in the streets of New Orleans and just being so alive."
Magalie Marcelin, a lawyer and actress who appeared in films and on stage, established Kay Fanm, a women's rights organization that deals with domestic violence, offers services and shelter to women and makes microcredits, or loans, available to women working in markets, said Charles, the chair of Dwa Fanm.
Charles remembered a visit to Haiti about two years ago when Marcelin, believed to be in her mid-50s, called seeking help. Hoping to deflect the political clout of a defendant in court, she asked for women to come out in droves and pack the courtroom. Charles watched as the man on trial was convicted for battering his wife.
Her death has been reported through various media outlets, and was confirmed to CNN by Carribbean Radio Television based in Port-au-Prince. Her own daughter helped dig her body out from rubble in the aftermath of the quake, Charles said she learned when she got the call from Marcelin's cousin.
In an interview last year with the Haitian Times, Marcelin spoke of the image of a drum that adorned public awareness stickers.
"It's very symbolic in the Haitian cultural imagination," Marcelin said, according to the Haitian Times report. "The sound of the drum is the sound of freedom, it's the sound of slaves breaking with slavery."
With Merlet, Anne Marie Coriolan, 53, served as a top adviser to the women's rights ministry.
Coriolan, who died when her boyfriend's home collapsed, was the founder of Solidarite Fanm Ayisyen (Solidarity with Haitian Women, or SOFA), which Charles described as an advocacy and services organization.
Her daughter, Wani Thelusmon Coriolan, said in Haiti children bear only their father's surname, but her mother insisted on keeping her maiden name and making sure her two children shared it, too.
"She said my dad was not the only one who created me. She was involved, too," her 24-year-old daughter, who lives and is studying in Montreal, Quebec, said with a laugh.
Even though Wani and her brother no longer live in Haiti (he is in Paris, France), she said her mother was determined to make sure they were proud of their homeland.
"She loved her country. She never stopped believing in Haiti. She said that when you have a dream you have to fight for it," Wani said. "She wanted women to have equal rights. She wanted women to hold their heads high."
Coriolan was a political organizer who helped bring rape -- "an instrument of terror and war," Charles said -- to the forefront of Haitian courts.
Before 2005, rapes in Haiti were treated as nothing more than "crimes of passion," Charles explained. That changed because of the collective efforts of these women activists -- and others they inspired.
She had an incredible vision of what was possible for Haitian women, and she lifted their spirits.--Eve Ensler, on her friend Myriam Merlet

Port-au-Prince
With the three leaders gone, there is concern about the future of Haiti's women and girls. Even with all that's been achieved, the struggle for equality and against violence remains enormous.
The chaos that's taken over the devastated nation heightens those worries, said Taina Bien-Aimé, the executive director of Equality Now, a human rights organization dedicated to women.
Before the disaster struck last week, a survey of Haitian women and girls showed an estimated 72 percent had been raped, according to study done by Kay Fanm. And at least 40 percent of the women surveyed were victims of domestic violence, Bien-Aimé said.
And humanitarian emergencies have been linked to increased violence and exploitation in the past, she said.
"From where we stand," Bien-Aimé wrote in an e-mail, "the most critical and urgent issue is what, if any, contingencies the relief/humanitarian agencies are putting in place not only to ensure that women have easy access to food, water and medical care, but to guarantee their protection."
Concerned women in the New York area plan to gather Wednesday to strategize their next steps, Ensler said.
And while they will certainly keep mourning, she and the others are hopeful that Haitian women, inspired by these fallen heros and leaders, will forge ahead -- keeping their fight and legacies alive.

Welcome globaldaughter.com friends!

2009-12-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Global Daughter is revamping our site for the new year! Thank you for your support during the transition.

If you have any ordering questions, please contact us at info@globaldaughter.com.
Visit our group on Facebook- 'i am a global daughter' for more information.

Erin & Erika

International Human Rights Day

2009-12-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

Two days after the world observed International Human Rights Day, a report was made public that exposes horrific acts of violence committed by Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his political party, ZANU-PF during last years election.
The final 65-page report, "Electing to Rape," can be found at aids-freeworld.org here.

It is shocking to think that the rape of women from the opposite political party was systematic, strategic and ordered from Mugabe and ZANU-PF's top leaders. As a woman in America, I can not imagine being sexually assaulted, along with my mother and sisters, solely based upon my membership in the democratic party. Robert Mugabe is pure evil.

Rape was political weapon, report says
Violence against foes of Zimbabwe president decried

By Celean Jacobson
Associated Press / December 11, 2009

JOHANNESBURG - Supporters of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe used rape to terrorize the political opposition during last year’s contested elections, international human rights activists said yesterday.

AIDS-Free World, led by former UNAIDS envoy Stephen Lewis, released a 64-page report that documents 380 rapes it said were committed by Mugabe loyalists.

Some 70 women linked to Zimbabwe’s opposition detailed to the group how they were raped, kept as sex slaves, and forced to watch their daughters being raped. Ten became pregnant, and many believe they were infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

“These women were raped because they were politically defiant,’’ said Betsy Apple, the organization’s legal director. “It was meant to punish them and their communities.’’

Efforts to get comment from Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party were not successful yesterday.

Groups monitoring the March 2008 elections reported scores of deaths and thousands of illegal arrests, assaults, and rapes by militias operating in cities and out of countryside camps. Election officials declared a runoff was necessary after the vote, but opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dropped out, citing attacks against his supporters. Mugabe, later declared the winner, formed a unity government in February, with Tsvangirai as prime minister. Many fear the coalition will collapse, however.

“The politically orchestrated and systematic campaign of sexual violence unleashed against women who supported the opposition carves yet another chapter in the annals of Robert Mugabe’s legacy of depravity,’’ Lewis said. The rapes documented by Lewis’s organization began in 2007 but increased dramatically in 2008.

All of the women said their rapists were clearly identifiable as ZANU-PF supporters. Many arrived at the women’s homes late at night wearing party T-shirts or singing party songs.

“When the 10th man finished raping me they said they were going to rape my daughter . . . My daughter was 5 years old,’’ one woman told interviewers.

Activists are calling on the international community to help ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. The group fears the victims’ stories will be lost as the world throws support behind the unity government.

2009 Women's Conference

2009-11-04T15:22:00.001-08:00

Global Daughter recently participated in the California Women's Convention with the Unatti Foundation to help raise money for the Unatti orphanage in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The conference is held annually and was hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. It was an honor to be in the presence of amazing women such as Caroline Kennedy, Madeline Albright, and Elizabeth Edwards.

We are extremely thrilled that proceeds from Global Daughter Fair Trade product can benefit such a worthy cause so close to our hearts-the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. The Unatti Foundation cares for 14 girls currently and is looking to expand their project so that they can make a self-sustaining life for the girls once they turn 18. We look forward to watching Stephanie's project grow and helping in any way we can. If you would like to help, you can donate directly via the Unatti Website.

October is Fair Trade Month!

2009-10-14T13:07:00.001-07:00

Fair trade helps people and our planet, providing a system that provides economic development for artisans, farmers and their families and sustainable development for our planet's future.

This month, give a minute to think about where some of the products you use daily actually come from. That would mean the coffee you drink in the morning, the piece of chocolate you savor with your red wine at night, the olive oil you use to dip your bread. The farmers that produce these products often are unpaid, isolated and live in a cycle of poverty.

Fair Trade Certified tea, coffee, vineyard, cocoa and vegetable farmers and workers come together to form joint bodies where they set fair prices for their products and make democratic decisions about how to best improve their business, their community and, of course, their product. That means they have decision making power over their land and therefore, the power to uplift themselves out of poverty. Purchasing fair trade sugar from small-scale farmers in Paraguay, for example, ensures higher incomes for sugar cane growers, who often face unpredictable swings in the prices paid for their crop.

Purchasing fair trade products is a lot easier than you think. There are plenty of resources that provide information about where you can shop fair trade products and how you can be a part of the Fair Trade Movement. The little effort it takes to be an informed consumer makes a BIG difference.

Start Here:

http://www.globaldaughter.com/ Fabulous fair trade handicrafts made by women in Nepal

http://www.equalexchange.coop/ Fairly traded tea, coffee, chocolate and snacks

http://www.groundsforchange.com/ All Grounds for Change coffee is 100% fair trade and organic certified

http://www.betterearthflowers.com/ A collection of fair trade flowers- straight from the farm

http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ The ultimate resource for all things fair trade

A Third Way to Think About Aid

2009-10-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

The debate over foreign aid often pits those who mistrust "charity" against those who mistrust reliance on the markets. Jacqueline Novogratz proposes a middle way she calls patient capital, with promising examples of entrepreneurial innovation driving social change.

"If we take the notion of a global innovation fund we can invest not directly in government, though we will have the government's blessing, nor in international experts, but in the many existing entrepenurs and civil society members who are already building wonderful innovatioins that are reaching people all over the country."

GD now at Autopia in San Mateo!

2009-09-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Finding places to fill our biodiesel car up on road trips can often be a pain, which is why when we pulled into Autopia on a recent trip to San Franscisco we were pleasantly surprised. The fueling station had a pump right out of the 1950's, ready to fill our car with bio-goodness. The owner, Austin, is happy to greet you with an affordable organic beer or wine from her selection at the bar. As an added bonus you can shop for environmentally-friendly and fair trade gifts, drink in hand, while you wait. This space is a perfect neighborhood hangout, which will open your mind to everything environmental.

Global Daughter gifts are now featured in Autopia alongside other eco-friendly product. We are so pleased to be a part of Autopia's vision: "A Green Community Hub."

For more information, please visit: http://www.autopiabiofuels.com/home.htm

Baily Bennett Benefit

2009-09-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

www.bailybennett.com

Global Daughter is proud to be donating gifts to a silent auction that benefits the cancer treatment of 4-year old Baily Bennett. Baily's family is a friend of the GD family and he is a beautiful and spirited little tiger.

Benefit for Baily

Sunday September 27, 2009

Join us for an afternoon of fun and show of support for Baily!
Time: 12:30pm – 5:00pm (silent auction 1-4pm)

Place: Life Center Church Gymnasium
1717 South Union Ave
Tacoma, WA 98405

Baily's Story:

'Our son Baily is the light of our life. He is a wonderful little boy who amazes us every day and brings a smile just by looking at him. He loves his family and friends with every little bit of his heart. He is a true joy to be around and that is why we are so very heart-broken to tell you what has happened to this amazing little boy.

On Tuesday April 7th his mommy took him to the doctor because of a terrible cold. By 10am we were headed to the emergency room because his pediatrician found a large mass taking over his left lung and heart. With the wind knocked out of us we learned that the mass was a tumor. Cancer. Our wonderful little light was diagnosed with Advanced Stage Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Now that this nightmare has a name, it's so scary that it's hard to breath.

Baily started an intensive chemotherapy regimen and about one month later we were thrilled to learn the tumor had shrunk from 11cm at diagnosis to 3cm. The doctors had positive comments about Baily’s progress and we celebrated his fourth birthday in style with the help of the Tacoma fire department!

Then, on the day of our first family summer vacation, June 25th, Baily got a fever of 103. After being admitted to the hospital, we learned that the tumor had regrown to 7cm and Baily had pneumonia. A new chemotherapy regimen was started but just recently a PET scan revealed that the tumor remains very aggressive. Baily is currently receiving intensive chemotherapy in hopes of achieving remission and is in process to have a Stem Cell Transplant in the next couple of months.

During this whole ordeal, Baily has been a trooper. He knows that he is sick and cannot do most of the things that he loves; zoos, petting zoos, church group, preschool, train store, library, even riding his bike can be hard for him because of how weak he is. He tells me that “it’s okay mom, I know I can’t do that because I’m sick.” and it breaks my heart. This is his “normal” life now and he has accepted it. He says that he will never leave us and that he will get better. He is a good strong 4-year old boy who is fighting for his life.'

You can learn more about Baily and ways to help at www.bailybennett.com.

GD @ Amrithika Art & Craft Bazaar Friday Night!

2009-09-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

Erika will be representing GD at the Art & Craft Bazaar at Amrithika in Palo Alto, CA from 5-9PM Friday, September 11th. If you are in the San Fran area swing by and check out local artists, and of course Global Daughter! Hope to see you there!

*Amrithika is located @ 248 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Phone: 650.462.1980

GD Booth at the Kirkland Art Walk, Sept. 10th!

2009-09-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Global Daughter will be participating in the their second Kirkland Art Walk this Thursday, Sept. 10th. It is sure to be a lively event featuring music, local artists and hopefully...sunshine!! Come visit and check out our Fall Earring SALE! Up to 30% off!

Thursday Sept. 10th, Park Lane in downtown Kirkland will be shut down to vehicle traffic for live street jazz performances by local jazz musicians along with extended outdoor seating from restaurants located on Park Lane. Other businesses located on Park Lane will be extending their business hours 'til 9 for this once a month event.

Directions to Parklane Gallery:

Via I-405 North or South
Take exit 18 (Kirkland/Redmond). Follow signs to Kirkland, heading west to downtown. Turn left at Lake Street, go one block, turn left onto Park Lane. This road will be clossed off for the event as booths spill onto the street. You can park around the back or in the library parking lot.
The Global Daughter booth will be outside Simplicity Decor across from the Cactus Restaurant.

130 Park Lane, Kirkland, WA

Happy Teej 2009!

2009-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Teej is an important Hindu ritual observed by Hindu women. Teej in Nepal is observed on the third day after the new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadra or Bhadrapada. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva and is observed for three consecutive days. This Teej is widely known as Hartalika Teej in India. In 2009, the Teej festival in Nepal begins on August 23. The last day of Teej is observed as Rishi Panchami.

A fast is observed on the Teej day by married and unmarried women. There is a belief that those unmarried women who observe fast on this day will get good husbands. Married women undertake fasting for a happy and prosperous married life. The importance of this fast is mentioned in several Puranas and it is also said that Hindu women observe Teej to commemorate the intense austerity observed by Goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva as husband.

In Nepal, Teej is also the period when married women visit their parents. The night before Teej day is known as Dar khane Din and women prepare different varieties of food and have a lavish dinner. On Teej day, many women go without food the whole day.

The day after Teej is Ganesh Chaturthi and special prayers are held. Women also break the fast on this day. The next day is Rishi Panchami and special prayers are offered to the Sapta Rishis.

Global Daughter for Unatti

2009-08-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

A fundraising event the whole family could enjoy!

Mary came all the way from Seattle to lend a hand.

Founder of Unatti, Stephanie, and her daughter Shriya.

Global Daughter has recently made an amazing connection with Stephanie from the Unatti Foundation. The Unatti Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to provide food, shelter and education for the multitude of orphaned and underprivileged children of Nepal.

Stephanie opened an orphanage for young girls outside of Kathmandu in one of our favorite places, historic Bhaktapur. Currently, Stephanie is raising money to create an orphanage/group home where the girls can learn to care for themselves, both financially and physically, by implementing income-generating programs that will also aid the community. One of those income-generating programs is handicraft development, which is the perfect avenue for Global Daughter and Unatti to pool their resources.

Stephanie was kind enough to invite us to participate in two events in Los Angeles over the past couple Sundays. The fundraisers were a huge success and Global Daughter was thrilled to be able to fundraise for Unatti's current project through our product. We love meeting women with the like mission of empowerment through education, and even more than that, we love to connect with those who have a shared love for Nepal. Please visit http://www.unattifoundation.org/ for more information and to see how you can help.

Join Global Daughter at the Kirkland Art Walk tomorrow!

2009-08-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Global Daughter is pleased to be a part of the 2nd Annual Kirkland Art Walk. Erin will be there tomorrow, Thursday, August 13th from 6PM to 9PM on Park Lane in downtown Kirkland. Stop by to say hi, treat yourself to a handmade Global Daughter gift and enjoy the work of local artists. See you there!

GD now in Princeton, IL at Beetz Me!

2009-08-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Global Daughter has made it to the Midwest! We are now featured in the lovely and unique gift shop Beetz Me in Princeton, Illinois, only two hours outside Chicago. Beetz Me on Main Street offers fabulous gifts ranging from wine to handmade soaps, and of course Fair Trade from Global Daughter.

As one emphatic customer states, "If you are looking for that special gift you will find it at Beetz Me. In a charming store on Main St. Princeton. You will find that small town hospitality, and that very special gift that not everyone else will have."

Global Daughter is very proud to be partnering with such an amazing woman-owned independent shop. If you are ever in the Princeton area, please stop by!

Nepal's Government gets it Wrong...Again.

2009-07-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Widows in Nepal are treated like second class citizens. Upon their husband's death they are ostracized by their community and literally referred to as "husband eaters." In Nepal, there are thousands of young widows, who have no job opportunities or assistance from the government. To remarry a widow is considered taboo- many widows, some as young as 9 years old, stay single for the duration of their life and carry a social stigma they can never live down.

In the following press release from Women for Human Rights, a NGO in Kathmandu working for widows and single women, we see that the government has implemented a monetary incentive for men to marry widows. If a man marrys a widow he will recieve over $700 from the government, a huge sum of money in Nepal. This is not a step forward and obviously a policy thrown together with no thought for a longterm solution to the appalling status of widows in the country. It is blatantly offensive and dehumanizing to widows in Nepal.

This is an issue Global Daughter has been very involved in from the beginning. We work with many artisans who are widows. We engage them in a positive way and allow them the opportunity for stable and sustainable employment so they can continue to provide for their families and get out from under the thumb of their in-laws. This builds confidence and serves as an example to communities that widows are contributing members of society with the same desires and needs as anyone else.

The way forward is empowering women, not incentivizing men.

Dear All,

In the Budget speech of the Government of Nepal dated Ashad 29 2066 B.S., under the social security schemes, it has been mentioned that a person who gets married to a widow will be given a reward of NRs. 50,000 ($700+) as motivation. Women for Human Rights, single women group (WHR) would like to say that this policy of Government of Nepal has further humiliated and insulted single women of Nepal. This decision will further bring about unwanted social impacts and bad consequences in society. It seems that Government has failed to take into consideration the long term impact of the monetary incentive. Because of this, WHR strongly condemns this decision of government and urge the government to immediately nullify the monetary incentive mentioned for remarriage of single women and rather should focus on removing age bar while getting monthly allowances, reservation in health and education facilities, tax exemption while registering property in the name of single women, provision of ration card and job opportunities.

GD now in The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach!

2009-07-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not know that among many of our handmade gifts are the beautiful and eco-friendly wine bags. On a recent trip down the Oregon Coast I stumbled into the adorable and earthy Wine Shack in search of the perfect Pinot Noir. Not only did I end up with two unique Oregon Pinots, but a new client who now carries all three of our wine bag styles. Our Lokta wine bags are the perfect compliment to the design of The Wine Shack and the quality selection of local wines. Erin and I could not be more thrilled to be in Cannon Beach, the town in which the idea for Global Daughter began, and we hope next time you are there you'll stop by and enjoy some wine!

Global Daughters Unite!

2009-07-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Erika came up to Seattle from LA for a week of Global Daughter fun and frenzy. It was a week of spreading the word and uniting our Global Daughter forces! We have found that when we are together we are an unstoppable team of strength, passion and creativity. The train is moving....all aboard!

We were able to do our first Fair Trade Home Parties together and connect with new and old GD supporters. Thank you to Karl, Bev, Steffen and Caryn for hosting parties and lending their beautiful homes to Global Daughter for the afternoon. Summer is in full swing and people are ready to celebrate and join in on the fun with Global Daughter! To get involved, click here to book your party today and receive a free Om Copper Tray and 25% off your ENTIRE order!

Thank you Bev!

Thanks, Kaaaaaarl!

GD now in Palo Alto at Amrithika!

2009-07-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

248 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA

Excited for our 1st CA store!

The I Don't Do Plastic Bags already sold out!

Right in the middle!

Don't Just Give a Gift....Tell a Story Palo Alto!

Global Daughter is ecstatic to announce that we have made our way to Palo Alto, California and are now featured in the amazing store, Amrithika.

After visiting the store and Stanford University area in June, I knew this location was a perfect fit for our product. They have all eco-friendly, fairly traded product from local and international artisans. They also have an amazing art gallery with bi-monthly events featuring local artists. We are so pleased to partner with such a wonderful business and look forward to providing Northern California with their signature Global Daughter gifts.

Please check out their website for more information, and if you have friends in the San Francisco or Bay area, please pass this along!

Where do you get your water?

2009-07-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

In a project I did for Women in Environment in Nepal, we rebuilt and repaired artisan wells, dams and road culverts for 5 districts in the southern Terai region. In these areas we made field visits to see how new water sources and pumping methods would benefit the community. The following pictures are what we found.

When was the last time you had to walk two miles for water? (water so contaminated it could literally kill you.)

LIFE*styled

2009-06-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Erin and I are always inspired when we meet young women who take a chance and start their own business-especially when it is focused on improving women's lives. Recently I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Catherine Cassidy who founded LIFE*styled, a company focused on enhancing women's lives through fashion, fitness and fun in Los Angeles.

Not only does Catherine focus on these aspects as a "Life Coach," but she encourages the modern woman to live a healthy and fulfilling life, while helping others. Recently Catherine has become a champion of Global Daughter in the LA area and even wrote an article for her newsletter on our project. Global Daughter is looking forward to working with LIFE*styled on some upcoming events in the LA area!

For more information on Catherine's experience and stylist services, please visit:

http://www.lifestyledonline.com/

Ride Inspired.

2009-06-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

The LiveStrong Foundation came to Seattle this weekend and over 2,000 riders took part in the event to raise money for cancer research. The Lance Armstrong Foundation was founded by cancer survivor and cycle stud, Lance Armstrong in 1997. The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

Global Daughter put together a team (of 2!) and raised over $900 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Erin and her roommate (cycle stud) Karl, trained and spread the word about the cause for the event. Erin completed the 70-mile course- see map below- and Karl conquered the 100-mile course. It was a great day for Seattle and a great day for the fight against cancer. Riders raised over 1 million dollars for the event and all levels of riders were able to participate in the 10-mile, 45-mile, 70-mile or 100-mile courses.

The Global Daughter Team rode for the family members of both Erika and Erin. Fathers, uncles, aunts, grandparents, friends...we have both experienced the path of cancer in our lives. It was important for us to be involved in a cause that has effected us personally, here at home, with the people we love.

Erika's uncle John, who is fighting cancer, completed (and crushed) the 100-mile bike course and was the biggest inspiration for us to join this ride. He is a phenomenal athlete and cyclist and has been a big supporter of our GD adventure from the beginning. The strength he has shown in the last year has followed us wherever we go and we want him to know how much we respect and love him.

Thank you to all who donated to the ride or helped us train..you know who you are!

70-mile course map
(That hill in Issaquah was my Everest!)

Travel Postcard

2009-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the Global Daughter picture in the Seattle Times!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/travel2008583734/

This photo was taken in March 2009 on a trek in the Helumbu Region of Nepal. After 8 days of trekking, I met up with a group of cancer doctors from the sole cancer hospital in Chitwan, Nepal. They were in the village of Kakani administering pap smears, breast examinations and eye check-ups for women in surrounding villages. Women came from miles around on foot to experience this type of women-specific care for the first time.

The old woman in the photo was seated in that same place for hours. She did not get up, even for the free tea, and she did not talk to anyone. The younger girl administering the eye examination, is a nurse pracitioner from the hospital who volunteered her time to come out for the 2-day event.

You can't see in the picture, but a woman from behind had one eye covered to read the letters posted. The women were confused about the exam and couldn't understand the concept of checking vision. It was incredible to witness. After talking at length with the doctors, we ended up dining with them and listening to fascinating medical stories from their work in Nepal.

You can read more about the health camp in our previous post.

GD in the Seattle Times!

2009-06-10T12:25:00.001-07:00

A photo taken by Erin in Nepal will be featured in the Sunday, June 14th edition of the Seattle Times Travel Section. It will be the travel postcard of the week. Pick up a paper to check it out or look online at www.seattletimes.com.

You can also visit Seattle Times to look through other Seattlite's travel shots here.

Yay Nepal!

Mob Strips Woman in Street

2009-06-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

Let me preface this news story by saying that this was reported with little to no coverage. The context of this horrendous act are not clear at this time. However, the images tell a story of human rights abuse and sexual violence and that is why it appears on our blog.

The reason for this crime DOES NOT matter. No one should be persecuted by the public, in public under any circumstance. The fact that this mob of men man-handled this women in the busiest part of the city with no police interaction shows you just how poorly women are treated and ignored by the state.

There is a small child watching the mob strip this woman. The look in his eyes is eerie. His stone cold face is the face of the future. That is the saddest part of the story. He sees this type of violence as normal, acceptable and fun (as the smiling men in the background look on). He will grow up and perpetuate the cycle of discrimination that has kept women in Nepal from achieving any remnants of equality. This is heart-breaking.

I was just there, in the place were this woman was assaulted. I rode my bike past it everyday and now to see this, from thousands of miles away I am more horrified than ever. Justice in Nepal does not exist. Lawlessness prevails and the mob rules all.

Mob parades woman naked in Kathmandu
30 May 2009, 0019 hrs IST, TNN
Times of India

KATHMANDU: Watched by fearful children and passersby, a mob of nearly 50 young men beat up a woman and paraded her naked in the heart of capital city Kathmandu with no one daring to protest even as Nepal’s political parties said they were writing a new constitution that would empower women and other disadvantaged people.

The unidentified woman, who looked to be in her 30s, was stripped of her red printed salwar-kameez and white dupatta. Then the crowd tore off her undergarments and rained abuse and blows with lathis.

The shocking incident occurred in the Ratna Park area of Kathmandu, one of the busiest spots in the capital where new Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Friday laid down the foundation of a martyrs’ memorial.

The area, teeming with public transport and shops, is also close to a main police station. Though the cornered woman repeatedly cried out in fear, asking people to save her, nobody dared to intervene.

The woman could have been a sex worker, who abound the area, or mistaken as one. Though it happened on May 20, it came to public notice only this week with a passerby taking photographs of the scene and sending them to a Nepali blog site, Mysansar.com The blog is now appealing for justice, saying the attack is all the more shocking as it happened in the heart of the capital.

Global Daughter Home Parties= Smart Fun!

2009-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is the perfect time to celebrate fair trade...
and shop, shop, shop with friends!

Global Daughter gives you the opportunity to support women artisans around the world from the comfort of your own home, with the people you love. Global Daughter Fair Trade House Parties are a great way for women (and men!) to come together and learn about fair trade, shop beautiful hand-crafted gifts and hear the stories behind the product.
________________________________________

Book a Party in June or July and receive a fabulous OM Copper Tray
to serve your guests along with 25% off your ENTIRE PURCHASE!!
________________________________________

Hear what people are saying about Global Daughter Home Parties...

"I decided to host a party because it was a cause I could believe in and product that I wanted!"
-Tiffany Lettieri, Burbank, CA

"After attending my first Global Daughter party I was taken with the story of these two bright and energetic women from America and their idea of helping women through Global Daughter. When I decided to host a party, my guests were blown away by the handmade products and they loved the chance to meet Erika, one of the GD founders. Guests at my party opened their wallets and their hearts because they saw Global Daughter as the great idea that it truly is."
- Gail Jahn, Seattle, WA

"I very rarely host at-home parties, but when I heard about Global Daughter, their cause and the unique product line, I knew my family and friends would love to attend something different from the usual candle party. My guests enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere along with the beautiful products and story of Global Daughter."
- Suzanne Cowart, Lake Tapps, WA

Book your next Global Daughter Fair Trade Home Party today @ www.globaldaughter.com.

"Garbage out of Thin Air"

2009-05-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

A 10-day exhibition of art in April, entitled, "Garbage out of Thin Air," was created by artists from the Kathmandu University Centre for Art & Design. The artists used garbage and debris collected on Mt. Everest and brought down by the Eco Everest Expedition 2008 Team led by Dawa Steven Sherpa. Debri included helicopter parts that have fallen out of the sky, garbage left over from trekking expeditions- pieces that have been buried in the snow and ice for decades. In total, 300 kilos of garbage were transported off the mountain!

Sherpa said the significance of this exhibition is to urge people to create greater empathy with the mountains. The garbage, in the form of art, will be valued by people who recognize the importance of Mt. Everest not only in mountaineering as the highest peak on earth, but also for the mountain’s cultural importance. He said it is also a symbol that if we can keep our mountains clean, then surely we can keep our town, cities, rivers and air clean.

The garbage brought down from Mt. Everest has been used to create works of art with a message rather than just being disposed of randomly.

What a great idea for young artists to use their creativity and have an outlet for social responsibility! It made me look at "garbage" in a whole new light.

The Badi Women Experience

2009-05-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

The women of the badi community in Nepal are some of the most discriminated in the country. Their fate as bonded sex labourers is cruel and their future in the village is bleak. They are the exact women Global Daughter aims to connect with to create employment or skills training for them and their daughters. The following is an informative article on the Badi experience.

Caste System Binds Nepalese Prostitutes
By AMY WALDMAN
New York Times

MUDA, Nepal-- With its simple mud homes, low roofs and string cots, this tiny settlement near the Indian border looks like any other in this part of western Nepal. Only the women suggest something different, garishly painted as they are even in the early morning hours.

They loiter on a slope or around the tea stall, waiting for men, who come, banter, negotiate, then slyly walk one of the women to one of the village houses. The women's children play nearby and watch.

Caste has become destiny for many communities, defining their profession through generations. But few people have inherited so vexed a destiny as the Badis of Nepal. Their profession is prostitution, passed down from one generation to the next.

While many Badi women have left the sex trade, others keep falling into it, driven by hunger, a lack of alternatives and the stigma of being a Badi.

The Badis, who number tens of thousands across western Nepal, are one of 36 castes who make up Nepal's untouchables, said Suk Lal Nepali, a Badi who runs Social Awareness for Education, or SAFE, a nonprofit organization that works with the Badis.

But, he added, "we are untouchable among the untouchables."

Sunni Nepali, now 22, began working as a prostitute four or five years ago. Her body supports 11 relatives, including her parents and two younger brothers. Each encounter she has up to five a day earns her anywhere from 70 cents to $2.15. She loathes the work, she said, but sees no choice. She has no education.

Besides, she asked: "Who's going to marry me? I'm already involved in this."

The Badis did not start out as prostitutes when they migrated to Nepal from India some three centuries ago. They made drums and musical instruments, fished and danced and sang. They would go to the homes of landlords, or zamindars, to entertain at social ceremonies, in return for food.

In time, the zamindars claimed some of the girls as concubines. They would use them, then abandon them when they had children, said Ramesh Nepali, a Badi. Many Badis have taken the surname Nepali to avoid the disgrace of being a Badi.

In this patriarchal society, fatherless children have few rights. It can be difficult to register their births, and thus get them citizenship, school admission, even the right to vote.

Already nonentities in society's eyes, daughters dutifully followed their mothers into prostitution, often encouraged by parents no longer willing or able to work themselves. Badi men lived off the women's work.

Social welfare organizations have tried to coax the women into other jobs with some success, said Suk Lal Nepali, although he noted that even his own sister slipped into prostitution three years ago. He says only 150 women remain in prostitution, down from 587 a decade ago.

Still, the whole population remains stigmatized.

About half of the 50 families that lived in this settlement have migrated to India in search of work as maids or guards, leaving perhaps 250 Badis in Muda. In part, that is a result of pressure from Maoists waging an insurgency against Nepal's constitutional monarchy. They are also against prostitution and have ordered the Badis to stop their work. There is pressure, too, from the government, carried out by the army and the police.

"We can no longer be prostitutes," said Kokali Nepali, 30, a mother of four. "Before, it was accepted, it was open. Now there is pressure from all sides society and government. We cannot do it openly."

In this part of Nepal, however, there is little other work to be found. Even many of the women who have abandoned the sex trade, like Kokali Nepali, live off it, working as educators for SAFE and other groups.

All of the women insist they practice protected sex, and say they have educated many of their customers to do the same. Sunni Nepali even lamented that because she used condoms so reliably, it would be difficult for her to conceive a child to raise on her own, which she wanted.

There have been about 236 total H.I.V. cases identified in the middle and western parts of Nepal, said Dr. G. Raj Shakya, the president of the Nepal S.T.D. and AIDS Research Center in Nepalgunj.

He said he had not identified H.I.V. cases among Badis, but that he was almost sure there were some. Many of the women refused to be tested, he said, for fear that a positive result would further stigmatize them and their community.

The women say the danger is from those who migrate to India, and then come back.

Using the AIDS threat as leverage, the Badis have been seeking government help to move into other lines of work, but without success.

"We are in a position to leave prostitution if the government is ready to announce we are not prostitutes and provide alternatives," Suk Lal Nepali said.

His organization has opened hostels for Badi girls, hoping that a different environment will keep them from following their mothers into the sex trade.

But some girls remain. Kokali Nepali's 7-year-old daughter was around as the women did business. So was Gomati Nepali's 12-year-old, Rabina, who said she wanted to be a nurse.

Gomati Nepali got into prostitution at 15, when her parents were sick, the family poor. She works out of her mother's house.

"In an environment like this," Gomati said of Rabina, "I'm afraid she will go into this."

s ource: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/11/international/asia/11MUDA.html

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T00:31:00.000-07:00

A special Happy Mother's Day to our mom's, Debbie and Paula- our biggest supporters! We love you today, and every 365 days a year.

Debbie & Paula

Kiss.

Update on Witchcraft Case...

2009-05-05T18:09:00.001-07:00

This is a follow-up on the story reported in the Himalayan Times and on GD's blog about Kalli Kumari B.K who was accused of witchcraft and brutality assualted. The story seems to have got the attention of law enforcement, but in Nepal, that isn't saying much.

Kalli’s date with hollow promises

Kathmandu Post

RENU KSHETRY

KATHMANDU, April 29 - For Kalli Kumari B.K. life is hollow. The 45-year old says she finds it hard to come to terms with the trauma she went through on March 20. That day her husband could only look on helplessly as her neighbours overpowered them and forced her to eat human excreta accusing her of witchcraft.

Three days later, she was rescued from the village of Phyutar in Lalitpur.That incident, she says, has changed her life, but does not know how. For the moment, she just wants to go back home from Maiti Nepal, where she has been sheltering since March 23 with her daughter Shanti B.K., 17.

Her husband, Chetman B.K. has been living with his relatives at Chapagaon. “I am extremely worried about him,” she said of her 50-plus husband, who is blind in the left eye. “He came here to meet us twice, but it's a long time since we heard from him. We hope he is all right and gets to eat two meals a day.” Not just that, she is concerned about the 25 chicken she left with her neighbours or the buffalo bought by mortgaging an old pair of ear-rings to the local lender.

Little over a month has passed since that fateful day. Kalli Kumari has listened to many influential figures, including 'a fat, old man' -- Deputy Prime Minister Bam Dev Gautam -- and has been to the Legislature Parliament to brief them on what happened. She has heard bundles of assurances that those subjecting her to inhumane treatment would be brought to justice. So far, the words have sounded hollow.

But she has her mind set on the village-level all-party meeting slated for Wednesday, which is expected to ensure her a dignified return home. If every thing goes as planned, she gets to reunite with her family, but does not quite know how she is going to deal with the stigma of being labelled a witch.

“Is that going to go?” she asks. “My skin is black but my heart is not,” she chokes on her words. “Does being a poor, old Dalit with grey hair make me a witch?”

Most importantly, will her tormentors be punished, as she has been promised? She does not know. Member of National Women's Commission Dhan Kumari Sunar, however, assured the Post they would put the culprit behind bars and resettle Kalli and her family securely with respect and dignity.

Mother's Day is Around the Corner...

2009-05-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

Celebrate your loved ones with a handmade gift from Global Daughter this Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10th.

Design by: stork-bite (b. brown)

**Order online by Wednesday, May 6th to make sure Mom receives her gift in time! **

---Last Minute Gift Ideas Under $25---

"I am a Global Daughter" Cotton Shopping Bag:

"Rainbow Hemp Purse":

"Himalayan Blue Leaf" 3-tiered photo frame:

"Sakura Dream Journal" 100% Natural paper:

"Parsely Garden" Natural Paper Photo Album:

"Naya Copper Leaf" 100% copper tea light holder:

"Silver Swords" Silver Earrings:

Bamboo Coin Purse:

SAVE!! 10% off our featured product of the month:

Topaz Starburst Earrings

This Mother’s Day, make your gift of love fair trade, and share your commitment with family and friends at www.globaldaughter.com!

Presidential Commission on Women

2009-04-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Working with women in politics in Nepal, it is always interesting to remember that women's issues at home are still in need of attention...

For too long, women have been an afterthought when it comes to the political process. We've been counted out and left behind, and it's time we stood up and made our voices heard.

That's why after the election, WomenCount started our campaign to establish a Presidential Commission on Women to provide an independent, thorough look at the lives of women in America -- in the home, in the workplace, raising our families, our health, our economic impact -- and to make substantive policy recommendations that will help American women move forward.

Representative Jackie Speier -- a champion for women in Congress -- heard our call and immediately got to work on legislation supporting the cause.

Earlier this month, she introduced a bill that would create the Commission. A strong show of public support is the best way to convince Congress to pass this bill into law and make the Presidential Commission on Women a reality.

Click here to urge Congress to support Rep. Speier's bill creating a Presidential Commission on Women.

You've probably seen the news recently about President Obama creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. It's an important step, and we applaud the President for taking it.

But this Council serves a very different purpose than the Commission created by this bill. The Council coordinates all federal policy dealing with women's issues, where the Commission would take a step back and look at every aspect of life for women in America.

The Commission would develop the policies that create equality and opportunity for women, and work with the White House to implement those policies.

We can't think of a more important step for women in America than creating this Commission, and we hope you will help us to make it a reality.

Tell Congress to support a Presidential Commission on Women today!

WomenCount was founded by women inspired by Hillary Clinton's historic run for the presidency. WomenCount is dedicated to giving us a voice in the political process and is proud to have spearheaded the effort to create the Presidential Commission on Women.

Thank you for your help on this vital issue, and we look forward to working on it with you in the future.

Yours truly,
Stacy, Dale, Sarah, Jen and the WomenCount Team

WomenCount

University of Washington Features Global Daughter

2009-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

When I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in European Studies I never dreamed I would end up living and working in Asia. Despite my focus on Europe, my time at UW opened my mind and willingness to explore all cultures of the world. Recently they asked me to write an article on what I was doing now, and we are very pleased to have Global Daughter featured in their Spring Newsletter. For the full newsletter, including pictures please visit:
http://jsis.washington.edu/advise//file/Spr-2009(1).pdf

(We are on page 7)

Alumni News—News on what some of our most recent alumni are doing..

A Journey to Global Daughter
Prepared by: Erika Mosebach, JSIS Alumni
Company: Global Daughter, www.globaldaughter.com

After completing my European Studies degree from UW in 2004, I decided to travel the world-strangely enough everywhere but Europe! I began my search of the unknown in Kyoto, Japan, where my B.A. opened doors for me to teach English and explore Asia. After two years, I felt it was time to move on to my next challenge and I found myself on a deserted island off the coast of Costa Rica saving endangered sea turtles. It was there, after having witnessed the beauty and humanity of women from different cultures around the globe that my best friend/travel companion and I hashed out the concept of Global Daughter.

We headed to Kathmandu, Nepal, a place steeped in political and social unrest for many years to make our mark. After working with local women’s groups we decided the best way for us to make an impact would be by interacting on a grassroots level with women artisans to bring their amazing handicrafts to the Western market. We now provide skills development training, as well as all the tools needed for these groups to be successful with their handicrafts in hopes that they may be able to lift themselves out of poverty. Global Daughter is an online fair trade boutique that sells unique handmade jewelry, gifts and home accents that are eco and socially friendly. It is also a social project that emphasizes personal relationships, community participation and human development.

Many of my European Studies courses related to women and their struggle and impact throughout history. We at Global Daughter firmly believe that in order to repair a nation that has been through war women MUST be active participants in building their country’s economy. Global Daughter is for women, by women, inspired by all women. To be a part of the fair trade movement to improve the lives others, please visit us at: www.globaldaughter.com.

Now in Marlene's Market in Tacoma!

2009-04-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Skipping on the Shipping!

Marlene's Market and Deli in Tacoma is now featuring Global Daughter handmade gifts! We are very pleased to have our fairly traded, women-made goods available in a retail environment that promotes healthy living, ecologically sound products and social responsibility. Along with the Tacoma store, GD products can also be found at the Federal Way Marlene's location. We encourage you to shop at either store and shop GD to live a fair trade lifestyle....in style!

Tacoma Marlene's Market & Deli
2951 S. 38th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
Get Directions

Federal Way Marlene's Market & Deli

2565 S. Gateway Center PL
Federal Way, WA 98003
(253)839-0933
Get Directions

GD and Smashbox Cosmetics

2009-04-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Global Daughter wants to say a big THANK YOU to Smashbox Cosmetics, a company that not only produces top notch cosmetics but supports women causes worldwide. It is coincidentally our favorite brand of cosmetics, so to begin a relationship with them is a dream come true!

On Tuesday, GD was invited to the corporate offices by the President of Smashbox to kick off their series of Earth Week Events with a presentation and shopping hour. For Global Daughter to be a part of their green effort is an honor and a great opportunity for our project. Thanks to the preparation and hard work of "smashers" Stephanie and Tiffany....... it was a SMASHing success!

Smashbox-a company with a conscience that is as beautiful on the inside...as the outside!

Earth Day 2009. Visuals.

2009-04-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

Wind turbines in Oklahoma, USA.

Kathmandu water pollution. 0% oxygen. Nothing can survive in this river except disease.

Our President leading the way.

Global Effort.

Let's dissect a tree.

Plant a tree with a friend.

Climate change. This polar bear is wearing a life jacket??

Michelle flexing her muscle for the Earth!

We aren't the only ones roaming around.

Virgin Islands- Climate change is contributing to the bleaching of coral reefs. The top photo shows a healthy staghorn coral reef, and the bottom one shows one that's been bleached. Photos by NOAA and Dave Burdick

Himalayas — Melting Mountains Glaciers in the Himalayas provide the water source for one-sixth of humanity. Now that water source is threatened by climate change, as the temperature rises, these reservoirs of ice disappear. Dubbed the 'Third Pole', for having the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar caps, the Himalayas boast 11 peaks over 26,246 feet and around 100 over 22,966 feet. Scientists predict that 80 percent of these glaciers will disappear within 30 years if current warming rates are maintained.

Skip on the plastic w/ Global Daughter's 100% cotton shopping bag.
It makes the Earth happy.

Until I see you again, Nepal

2009-04-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

See you! (Erin with a Nepali street cow)

I am a professional at approaching airline ticket counters with ultra heavy baggage and extra suitcases. I beg, I argue and I cry to get the agent not to charge me to move my life from one country to the next. "But I'm moving two years here man, give me a break." Luggage packed to the brim and bags hanging off my body like a pack mule, I am usually able to get on the plane headed for the next city.

As I left Nepal this week, after almost two years, it was more than extra baggage that I was bringing back home with me. Along with hiking boots and Tibetan art, I have also packed a fair trade business, millions of memories with friends, and the love of a country. You can imagine how heavy this can all be and why I will not say "goodbye nepal" but rather, "until I see you again."

One and a half years has flown by in Nepal. For a country that is a behind in development, time sure does fly! Some days I felt like dancing in the street in the monsoon rains and some days I felt like lifting taxi drivers up by the throat. It was a roller coaster (of Himalayan proportions) of emotions and experiences. But, not a day went by that I did not know I was alive.

Global Daughter allowed me to travel the country and meet amazing women doing amazing things against all odds. Global Daughter has worked together with women artisans here and built personal and professional relationships with them and their families that will remain the foundation of this project. We started Global Daughter as two and now we have grown into a family. And you know what they say about family, family first! That is why we will continue to communicate with GD artisans and make it a priority to further their professional development.

Even though we are both back in America now, we are charged up and more energetic than ever to grow Global Daughter and continue to impact lives in a place that has become our home. I will now be in Seattle and Erika will continue initiatives in Los Angeles. In two markets, we hope to get maximum exposure for our project and connect more women in America with women in Nepal. Things may be daunting here at home with the economy, but the Global Daughter Movement will march on (now in two cities!).

We want to thank you all for supporting us. We are trying to tell the story of women in Nepal, and we will tell it until we are blue in the face, no matter where we are, to anyone who will listen. Erika and I have connected with women in Nepal, now we want to connect them...with YOU! If you have any comments or suggestions about this project or just have questions about women in Nepal, we would love to hear from you. We could both go on for days about women's issues in Nepal, so hit us up and make our day!

If you are in the Seattle or Los Angeles area and would like Erin or Erika to do a personal presentation about women in Nepal for your organization, friends, church group, or school, please contact us at info@globaldaughter.com.

Help us get blue in the face!

Women Artisans in Janakpur

2009-04-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

Janakpur Arts and Crafts Center was the first artisan workshop we associated ourselves with over a year ago.This woman-owned and operated center produces original and distinctive designs and has been running for over 15 years. Janakpur is located in the southeast region of Nepal bordering India and is a world away from Kathmandu. The illiteracy rate is over 65% and education is still not looked at as a priority for many families in the area. Most of the women that work at the center have not been to school and some have tragic and painful stories of family abuse, personal loss, extreme poverty and caste discrimination.

The employment opportunity the center provides these women not only offers them a financial income, it also encourages their creativity and self confidence. By working at the center and gaining economic independence, they are role models for their daughters and success stories in their communities. The artisans work either at the center or in the comfort of their own homes (some of their husbands do not allow them to leave the house). Each artisan is specially-trained in a certain aspect of production, for example, master fabric cutter, detail painter, tailor, designers, etc.

On my current trip to the Center, I was able to meet up with women who we have worked with from the beginning. It was great to hear their stories and find that most of them are healthy. Ranju, the master seamstress who makes our cushion covers, has recovered fully from an emergency hysterectomy. That is good news. And since we were there last, they have added 5 women on staff. It is great to go into the workshop and be remembered and feel natural amongst the women artisans. We am proud to be working with them, for them and creating a connection between them and YOU!

Janakpur in Pictures

2009-04-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

Janakpur is Global Daughter's home. We started working in this village over a year ago and it is the last place I go before I return to the U.S. This place is full of life, color, history, culture and of course, beautiful women. I visited the Janakpur Arts and Crafts Center, but after thousands of pictures and several days, I thought to share pictures from Janakpur separately. Tourists rarely visit this place (12- hour bus ride from Kathmandu) but I think it is the gem of the country. We all connect to different places differently. The people here are family..I actually have people recognize me from our trip there a year ago! (I am sure the white hair has nothing to do with it!) When I am there, at the workshop or walking down the street with the ox carts and women dressed in the most intense and magical colors, I feel like I got the memo on life.

Medieval.

2009-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is the most disturbing report I have ever read in the newspaper. It got a small box in the national section of the Himalayan Times- it should have come out in the Medieval Times.

Himalayan Times
Kathmandu, March 24
Tika R. Pradhan

A gang of people led by a school headmistress forcibly made a woman eat her own excreta in Lalitpur, accusing her of practicing witchcraft. The headmistress of Gadi Bhanjyang Primary School, Bimala Lama, forced Kalli Kumari BK, 48, to confess that she killed locals in the area with her black magic and forced her to eat her own feces.

Fortunately, a police head constable came to know about the incident and informed the Federation of Nepali Journalists about it. He has provided shelter to three members of BK's family despite death threats from both his and her family. Talking to the Himalayan Times over telephone, BK said that around 50 women and men tried to amputate her breast with blades and knifes on Friday.

"They forced me to eat my own excreta in public," she said, adding that they also forced her to "confess" that she was behind the deaths of all the people in the village.

BK yelled for help via telephone to this scribe, saying that members of the society had threatened to cut her into pieces. "How long will you find shelter? We are going to see for how long the police will protect you," her attackers said.

"On my request, four policemen had reached the site today but to no avail," Ghimire said, who is currently serving at the Metropolitan Police Commissioners Office, Rani Pokhari.

On the initiation of Jagaran Media Centre, representatives of human rights organizations, National Dalit Commission, National Women's Commission and the media are going to visit the site Wednesday.

This is the first reported incident taking place in the Kathmandu Valley involving and educated woman, Lama, who tortured a woman on the charges of witchcraft.

All I can say is, I would like to meet the woman who instigated this brutality and take her to task. It makes my blood boil as a woman, an activist and as a human being. She is the principal at a school for Nepal's youth. What does that say?

This happened in the heart of the city, not the village. That is the most appalling part about it. Women's rights in this country are fragile- everywhere.

Cancer Society Nepal- Women's Health Camp

2009-03-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

Eye Exams.

Waiting to get a pap smear.

Nothing says Cancer Society health camp like taking a smoke break!

This woman has advanced-stage cataract.

15 of the 75 women tested have mature stage cataract and will soon go blind. This woman's cataract was clearly seen with an old flashlight. I personally looked at both her eyes and what I saw was horrifing. She needs surgery immediately, but can not afford it, of course. A woman in the village- what to do? The main cause of high instances of cataract is smoke fires inside the home. The woman are at the fire cooking and cleaning most of the day.

Lung check-ups for the first time.

Incredible to witness.

Pap smear awareness poster.

Waiting...

Tamang and Llama woman after their tests. Results will be processed and the team will return to plan treatments and arrange care for the women.

Through the generations....

In a two-day health camp sponsored by the national organization, Cancer Society Nepal, eye doctors, gynecologists and cancer specialists visited the surrounding villages of Kakani, Helumbu Region. Women from over 12 villages walked to the Kakani secondary school to get free check-ups and medicine. Conducting eye exams, pap smears, breast examinations, and lung exams, doctors from the only cancer hospital in Chitwan, Nepal, came to the village to create health awareness and diagnose cataract, lung disease and cervical and breast cancer.

This was the first time in this region that pap smears (vaginal examinations) were administered. Women lined up to fill a questionnaire about their health history and their current health concerns. In a small grade 5 classroom, made of stone with a dirt floor, a gynecologist gave each woman a pap smear test and breast examination. The ages of the women ranged from 18-85. None had ever had an exam and most were nervous to step into the room.

It is, of course, suggested that a woman in America get her first cervical examination at the age of 18 or after her first sexual experience. Cervical cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in the country, with lung cancer and breast cancer second and third, respectively. The chances of getting cervical cancer are very high in the villages due to factors such as, early-age sexual experiences (tied in with early childhood marriage) lack of cleanliness, early-age childbirth, high child/woman rates, and STDs (tied to the lack of condom use). Women cancer patients far exceed men in the country and like all other health care here, cancer treatments are not accessible and very expensive.

We spent the day at the health camp interacting with the women and doctors. Most all of them were illiterate and while answering questions before the tests, many did not even know their names or ages. It was incredible. In the village, age is not important and older women might not know when they were born or how old they were during their first sexual experience or pregnancy. It was an eye-opening experience. As women in America, we are very fortunate to have the facilities and means to stay healthy. Let's remember that....

Trekking in Helumbu

2009-03-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

Me with Frank, the wonderboy. He is 6 and has trekked Annapurna Base Camp and was completing his second spin on the Helumbu trek!

Karate session with some boys on the way to school.

Filtering water with cheese cloth.

The things we carry.

'Pharmacy' in the village.

My new friend, Nanu.

Walking 5 miles straight up a ridge to get to school....and playing ball along the way!

Llama girls at a bonfire party in the village.

Blizzard and sunset in the Langtang Himalayan Range.

This woman was at the top of a tree in the middle of no where. How in the world did she even get up there?

The intestines and stomach of a recently sacrificed goat.

View from Tharepati after the blizzard.

Sherpini planting beans.

A 'tree' with pair yellow rain boots makes its way down the path.

After trekking Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, I had one more region of the top 4 to explore, Helumbu. This region is the closest trekking region to Kathmandu and home to Helumbu Sherpas. Differing from the Sherpas in the Everest Region, this group speaks different languages, follows different cultural practices and cultivates different crops. Although all 4 of the main trekking routes offer something special and fantastic, this trek must go down as my favorite. Simply because of the people. The Sherpas, Tamangs and Llamas that live in this region are very friendly, hospitable and extremely hard-working (especially the amazingly strong women, named 'Sherpinis'). Continually I was in awe of the women and girls carrying 50 Kgs sacks of rice, large bundles of leaves and fodder for animals and firewood. Me with my ski poles, fancy trekking boots and first aid kit had nothing on these women, sometimes shoeless in torn clothing with bloody fingers and aged faces.

When we were trekking through the village of Tarkegang, a woman with a basket on her back full of tree branches approached me. She pointed to the athletic tape on my fingers (to prevent blisters from the poles) and then showed me her fingers. They were bloody with blisters, open sores and callouses from cutting through the brush day after day.

I pulled out my first aid kit and taped all her fingers. I gave her the rest of the roll and she was extremely grateful. Yet another inspirational encounter with the women in this country- through there determination and toughness. Her work is done out of necessity. Her livelihood depends on carrying loads to feed her animals (her greatest possession) and tirelessly roaming the hills for resources to keep her and her family alive. It is her blood and her heart that lives in those hills- I just feel blessed to have walked on the same path.

This trek follows through small villages, through small living huts sometimes and traces steep-hill ridges. We did it in 5.5 days, instead of the suggested 8. That meant 6-7 hour days blazing up ridges 800 meters and down 1,600 meters on the same day. It was exhausting, beautiful, and everything a trek should be. On the trail, we were time and again taking care of by people who showed us the way (we had no guide) and let us into there homes to wait out hail storms, blizzards and down-pouring rain. It was a great farewell to Nepal and another examples of why I love this place, its people and its spirit.

Ethniklashistan

2009-03-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

This hilarious satire is from a 2001 "the Onion" article. It was worth a post!

source: http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28369?utm_source=EMTF_Onion

UNITED NATIONS–In a bold gambit hoped to resolve dozens of conflicts around the world, the U.N. announced Monday the establishment of Ethniklashistan, a multinational haven in the West Bank that will serve as a new homeland for Irish Protestants, Hutus, Serbs, and other troubled groups.

An ethnographic map of the new Homeland.

"For far too long, these groups have been locked in prolonged strife with their former neighbors, unable to achieve a lasting peace," U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said. "Now that these various peoples have a new homeland where they can find refuge, all the years of fighting and bloodshed can finally be put behind them."

Former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, now presiding over a Serb settlement near the Jordanian border, was optimistic about the future. "All Muslim scum must die," he said. "Death to all enemies of Serbian purity!"

The various groups, transported to Ethniklashistan by a massive U.N. airlift, will share their new homeland with the roughly two million Palestinians and Israeli settlers who currently occupy the region. U.N. officials say the West Bank site was chosen for its centralized location, opportunities for tourism, and comfortable desert climate. These factors, combined with the already diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious composition of the area, offer "a unique opportunity for many international groups to live together in peace."

"This is truly a win-win situation," U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said. "War-ravaged peoples from all over the world finally have a place they can feel safe. And, for the Palestinians and Israelis already there, the presence of additional ethnicities should reduce any pre-existing stresses. Arabs and Jews will enjoy exposure to a glorious, multiethnic stew, and they will, in turn, have the opportunity to lead by example, serving as role models of peaceful coexistence."

Hutu leader Kagabo Ndadaye, who between 1994 and 1996 personally oversaw the machete deaths of more than 10,000 Tutsi Rwandans, echoed the positive outlook. "The glorious Hutu are the one pure race," said Ndadaye, speaking from a Hutu settlement near Hebron while eyeing a nearby Kurdish settlement. "All inferior mongrel peoples shall be put to the blade."

Though hopes are high for Ethniklashistan–a name created by a team of linguists who combined 17 different languages' words for "sanctuary"–the establishment of the new homeland has proven rocky. Of the more than 500,000 people relocated there so far, approximately 97 percent have responded with violent resistance, swearing oaths of eternal vengeance against U.N. volunteers conducting the forced relocations.

Bloodshed also marred the "Festival Of Human Brotherhood," a weeklong, nationwide event celebrating the founding of Ethniklashistan. On Monday, 11 people were killed in a skirmish between Basques and Sikhs near Nablus.

The same day, six were killed and dozens injured on the streets of Bethlehem when Somalis and Greek Cypriots exchanged gunfire and grenades.

Dozens of shifting alliances have added to the confusion and chaos. In a pre-dawn border raid Monday, Burmese Karen rebels attacked a Tamil settlement. By late afternoon, the Karens were driven back by the Tamils, who were newly armed with Israeli anti-personnel missiles smuggled into the West Bank by Zionist fundamentalists who had allied themselves–some say only as a temporary ruse–with the Tamils.

On Tuesday, guerrilla fighters made up of an uneasy Palestinian-Papuan alliance attacked an Irish Protestant church near the Golan Heights, killing 121 Irish worshippers with nerve gas before being repelled by a nearby faction of Protestant-sympathizing Zapatista rebels from the Chiapas region of Mexico.

The violence continued that evening, when the severed heads of 20 Chechens were paraded through the streets of Jericho by Azerbaijani extremists. The killings are thought to be in retaliation for rocket attacks by a band of pro-Armenian Chechen rebels, who have thus far evaded Azerbaijani attempts to flush them out of their encampments in the hills with prolonged shelling.

Alarmed by the new nation's growing pains, world leaders have launched a large-scale international-aid effort to help Ethniklashistan get on its feet. Great Britain has pledged 12,000 peacekeeping troops, vowing to "pummel with rubber bullets, tear gas, and billy clubs anyone who dares threaten the Sons of Ulster." China has pledged 40,000 soldiers to supervise the 2,000-plus Tibetan Buddhists relocated to the region. Indonesia, Cambodia, Nigeria, and Afghanistan have also sent troops.

"There is always a period of transition and upheaval in the founding of a new government," President Bush said. "That is why an international humanitarian consortium of nations, including the U.S., France, Russia, Iraq, and North Korea, has pledged $2 trillion in military aid to the new nation. This way, all Ethniklashistanis, regardless of race, color, creed, or economic background, will have equal access to the state-of-the-art ordnance they need to defend themselves and their families during this initial period of instability."

Encouraged by such aid efforts, experts are confident that a lasting peace can soon be established among the rival Ethniklashistani groups.

"When you take that many long-suffering, war-torn groups and put them in the same place, how can you not have peace?" asked former president Jimmy Carter, who will lead talks among the various Ethniklashistani groups. "This hatred cannot possibly last long."

Women's Day Walkathon- Kathmandu

2009-03-12T02:23:00.001-07:00

In a show of solidarity and to promote women's development in Nepal, Global Daughter participated in the 99th International Women's Day Walkathon in Kathmandu. Along with women activists, professionals, NGO representatives and Ambassadors, Erin walked to support women's rights and equality in Nepal and world-wide.

It was great to see women from all walks of life uniting for one voice in the early hours of Sunday March 8th. The event featured well-known advocates and dignitaries from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was also impressive to see the number of men and young boys participating in the event- walking side-by-side with their mothers and sisters.

The energy of the crowd and the speakers was quite moving. I was thinking it would be even more effective if events like this were also held simultaneously at the local level, in the districts and villages- where women's rights need to be most visible. Sadly, these type of events are rarely organized...but we hope for a trickle down effect from Kathmandu....as quickly as possible!
It was a proud day for Global Daughter. To be recognized by other women's groups and women activists in the country and represent a project that people know and trust. To walk around in the crowd and see women we work with and women's organizations that we are associated with- gave me the feeling that we have truly solidified a presence within the women's community in Nepal.

Good stuff all around as the movement keeps keepin' on......

"Realizing the importance of a consolidated effort for synergy and effective advocacy, this is a singular opportunity for women from all the eight countries to come together as a unified force to celebrate past achievements on the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2009, and work towards Millennium Development Goals for 2015."

The crowd grows...

Erin at the ceremony post-walk.

Banners of support wave on.

Teamwork.

An essential experience for any little girl.

Walk through Durbar Square.

A beautiful face for a beautiful cause.

A walk through Basantapur.

Does this need to actually be stated? The answer is yes, in Nepal it does.

Famous women activists speak to the crowd about lack of security for women in the country.

Traditional Musicians leading the march.

Bangladeshi Ambassador and the next generation of women's activists in traditional Tharu dress.

And The Winner Is....

2009-03-11T12:50:00.001-07:00

Katie Super Excited about winning her Gold and Black Cleopatra Necklace in GD's First Giveaway!

Global Daughter was very pleased to have its first giveaway sponsored by Global Sister, Brianna. The givaway was conducted on Facebook as well as Brianna's personal blog. This month the item up for grabs was our very popular and beautiful Cleopatra Malla Necklace. This is just the first of many giveaways from GD. If you are interested in participating in the next one by either entering or sponsoring, please join our Facebook Group and check back on our blog for updates.

Congratulations Katie! We hope you enjoy your gift!

International Women's Day 2009!

2009-03-09T00:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

Global Daughter at Marybert Orphanage

2009-03-03T02:28:00.000-08:00

Erin with grade 3 students.

Lining up for prayers before lunch.

Hopscotch on the play area.

Erin with Dipendra. Global Daughter is sponsoring his education at the school.

Sanuman sitting on his bunk in the boys room.

Preschool kids during reading time. "Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see?"

The ultimate ham, Prince, in his signature superman pose.

Who is this crazy lady?

A drink after recess. Clean drinking water.

Another trip to the orphanage! This time we got to see the kids at school, studying their hearts out. Thank you to Brianna and her children, once again, for clothing donations.

Marybert will be having a sports day in the next month and GD will be there for sure!

Lanjana, GD Designer, Gets Married!

2009-02-26T18:02:00.001-08:00

Greeting guests with her mother (right) and sister-in-law

Erin enjoying face time with the bride.

Guests at the Party Palace

Congratulations, Lajana. Best wishes.

Erin with Ajit, GD producer, Sharada, from Federation of Women Entrepeneurs Associations of Nepal, and local designer.

Global Daughter Lead Designer and production whiz, Lanjana was married this week in Kathmandu. Her wedding lasted one full week (yikes, right?) with one day for an engagement party, then two days later a wedding party and then two days later the actual wedding. Her wedding week included many traditional rituals. She comes from an ethnic group, Newars, who have a unique style of marriage ceremonials. It is a quite an experience to witness the pageantry of weddings in Nepal!

I was so excited to attend and support Lanjana during her wedding party. Newaris love a good time and eat the tastiest food! That meant loads of buffalo dishes and local spirits (roxi). This marriage was arranged by her parents (they chose her husband) and she is looking forward to living the life of a married woman. She will continue to work (yipppeee!) with Global Daughter as well as with a felt workshop in the Valley.

Global Daughter NOW in Marlene's Market & Deli!

2009-02-25T14:41:00.001-08:00

You can now head to Marlene's Market and Deli in Federal Way to pick up your Global Daughter handmade gifts! We are very pleased to have our products featured there as it is in line with our company values and fair trade principles. Both Erin and I have been shopping at Marlene's since we were kids so it means so much to us to be partnered with a local group. We are excited to offer our unique fair trade goods in a retail environment that promotes healthy living, eco-freindly lifestyle and general well-being. As a valued Global Daughter customer, we encourage you to shop at Marlene's for convienence... and, of course, to save on shipping!

Address:
2565 S. Gateway Center PL
Federal Way, WA 98003
(253) 839-0933

For ALL Women

2009-02-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends and fellow activists, Stu and Jaco from Amsterdam have started a fantastic project working with the transgender and lesbian groups here in Nepal. They were funded by an organization in Holland to form a choir with the girls and perform concerts in Kathmandu. It is a great project that gives the transgender and lesbians in Nepal a place to come together, laugh, learn and sing their hearts out. In Nepal, these girls face social discrimination and many live in fear and sadness. The choir, with about 20 members, has been a ray of light in their lives and a platform to be themselves....all they have ever wanted to be.

Global Daughter is pleased to be associated with Stu and Jaco, the choir, and the brave girls that meet every Sunday to celebrate one another. Lesbians in Nepal are yet another group of women that live oppressed lives. It is important that they have a voice, as well, because the stories they have to tell are as heartbreaking as anyone elses. Global Daughter is for all women and we are excited to support the work of the choir and all the women/girls involved.

This project has had worldwide exposure, including an article in the BBC. It is truly an out-of-the-box idea that is making a big difference in the lives of many. Cheers to Stu, Jaco and their aunt, Anky!

Here is the article from PAGE Six in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu, Feb 3 (IANS) Bhakti Shah faces an uphill struggle to get her job back a year after Nepal’s army sacked the physical training instructor for being involved in a lesbian relationship with a trainee.”I have filed a case in the Supreme Court,” says the 24-year-old, who looks like a teenaged boy with her close-cropped hair and wiry frame.

“But the hearing can’t start until the army has completed its procedure and the army is deliberately prolonging it.”

Shah’s partner, who too was sacked by the army, has been disowned by her family for refusing to end her relationship. She now faces a harrowing time in college.

“I am studying management,” says the 23-year-old, who does not want to be named. “But I can’t attend class because the other students mock at me.”

Suman Tamang, 26, who comes from Nepal ’s tea garden district of Jhapa in the east, has a similar story.

Rejected by her family after she decided to begin a same-sex relationship, Tamang now works as a peer counsellor at Blue Diamond Society (BDS) in Kathmandu , Nepal ’s pioneer gay rights organisation.

“Sundays used to be the worst days for me,” Tamang confesses. “With the office being closed and nowhere to go, I used to have dark thoughts about how my family and friends treated me and I would become depressed.

“But now, I have begun looking forward to Sundays. They have become fun days.”

For nearly two dozen gays, lesbians and transgenders like Tamang and Shah, Sundays now have a new purpose, thanks to the first transgender choir that made its debut with a concert at a hotel in Thamel, the capital’s tourist hub, Sunday.

The choir is the brain child of a Dutch gay couple, Sjoerd Warmerdam, 21, and Jaco Van Dendool, 29, who first visited Nepal in February 2008, came in contact with BDS and decided to stay on.

Joined by a third tourist, 28-year-old Marloes Oudeman, the three set up a band, Poesie and the Fags, and began to play gigs in Thamel’s hotels.

“We saw how gays are treated in Nepal ,” says Sjoerd. “They are thrown out by their families and no employer would give them a job. We saw the interest they have in music and dancing and we thought of forming a gay band.

“It is meant to get together and have some fun afternoons.”

The transgender choir has also brought out its first CD.

“It’s not a commercial venture,” Sjoerd explains. “It’s more to create awareness about transgenders - that they have the same human rights as any others.”

Sjoerd’s aunt Ankie Warmerdam, a 63-year-old retired health educator, sponsored the first concert, from the roses presented to the members to the black T-shirts with a pink sun worn as the choir uniform.

“I am a bisexual,” Warmerdam says. “About 35 years ago, I faced a lot of problems in my own country. But now things have changed. My nephew didn’t have to go through my difficulties.”

She calls the transgender choir a community art.

“It’s meant to bring people together,” she says. “The members of the choir get food for self-esteem.”

Global Daughter on You Tube

2009-02-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

We have set up a Global Daughter You Tube channel to give you an inside into some of our adventures. If you have a you tube account, make sure to subscribe to us so you can get updates on new videos!

http://www.youtube.com/user/globaldaughter

Enjoy yourself!

Pink Panty Protest!

2009-02-18T04:28:00.000-08:00

In response to the events as posted in the latest blog....
Please join the Facebook group if you are interested, or just browse the group to get more information on this amazing story of modernization and women's empowerment.

Thousands of Indians, many fuming over a recent assault on women in a pub, are vowing to fill bars on Valentine's Day and send cartons of pink panties to a radical Hindu group that has branded outgoing females immoral.

A "consortium of pub-going, loose and forward women," founded by four Indian women on social networking Web site Facebook has, in a matter of days, attracted more than 25,000 members with over 2,000 posts about the self-appointed moral police.

The women said their mission was to go bar-hopping on February 14 and send hundreds of pink knickers to Sri Ram Sena, the militant Hindu group that has said pubs are for men, and that women should stay at home and cook for their husbands.

The same Hindu group was blamed for attacking women in a bar in the southern city of Mangalore in January, an incident that sparked a national debate about women's freedoms in India.

Collection centers have sprung up in several cities, with volunteers calling for bright pink old-fashioned knickers as gifts to the Sri Ram Sena as a mark of defiance.

"Girl power! Go girls, go. Show Ram Sena... who's the boss," reads one post on Facebook from Larkins Dsouza.

'Hooligans'

There is a separate campaign to "Walk to the nearest pub and buy a drink (and) raise a toast," that has found supporters from Toronto to Bangkok to Sydney, with even teetotalers saying they will get a drink on Saturday to show solidarity.

"Though I don't promote smoking or drinking for both sexes, we definitely don't need hooligans telling us what to do and what not. Best of luck!," reads one post from Iftehar Ahsan.

There are more heated discussion threads as well that range from the limits of independence to religion and politics, reflecting the struggle facing a country that has long battled to balance its deep-rooted traditions with rapid modernization.

Growing numbers of young and independent urban women have become an easy target for religious fundamentalists and aging politicians trying to force traditional mores on an increasingly liberal, Western outlook.

Not to be outdone, the Sri Ram Sena, which has cautioned shops and pubs in southern Karnataka state against marking Valentine's Day, has promised to gift pink saris to women and marry off canoodling couples to make them "respectable."

Women Assaulted in Indian Pub

2009-02-18T03:36:00.000-08:00

MANGALORE: A fanatical right-wing group notorious for creating communal tensions and indulging in moral policing has struck again in Karnataka.

The activists of Sri Rama Sena entered the Amnesia Bar and Restaurant on Dr Shivaram Karanth Road on Saturday evening and threatened the women sitting inside. The men, who took objection to women drinking alcohol, pushed them outside, many women falling to the ground while they were being driven out.

Mangalore North Circle inspector Umesh G Shet said a group of 10-15 men entered the pub in the evening and started arguing with the guests. ``They got into an altercation with the women customers saying they were dressed indecently,'' he said.

The men also told the women that they would face dire consequences if they were seen in pubs again. The group left the bar after threatening its owner.

The incident drew instant criticism from various sections of the society, who strongly condemned the moral policing by members of the Sri Rama Sena, which was involved in violence during Karnataka's Cauvery water dispute with neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Police have arrested 13 men in connection with the incident.

Police said those arrested were activists of Sri Rama Sena The arrested Sena activists claimed that they carried out the attack ``because of the attitude of the young women'', police sources said.

The Sena activists accused the women of ``involving themselves in immoral activities, including consuming alcohol, dressing indecently, and mixing with youths of other faith''.

The arrests came after police questioned the owner of the pub and customers present there at the time of the incident. ``The owner was initially reluctant to file a complaint, but relented after we assured him of police protection,'' said inspector Umesh Shet.

Police are looking for Shashidhar Shetty, a local Sri Rama Sene leader, and Preetham, a student leader, for issuing comments supporting the violent incident. Umesh Shet said they would be arrested on charges of conspiring with those who were involved in the attack.

Source: The Times of India

NEW PRODUCT!

2009-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Bamboo Coin Purse

......5" x 4"......

......Satin-lined.....
......Hand-beaded detail.....

......Super cute......

Buy Now.

One step forward, few steps back.

2009-01-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

Traffickers arrested, Kamalaris rehabilitated
Kantipur Report

At least 144 Kamalaris, indentured girl child labourers, have been rehabilitated and over two dozen traffickers arrested in Dang after the district was declared Kamalari-free on Jan. 14.

Police have intensified their activities at various places in the district in coordination with District Child Welfare Board and other organisations in the recent days. "Three to four cases relating to Kamalari are being registered in our office every day," said District Police Office.

Bhalubang police nabbed one Kaushalraj Sharma while he was taking Gita Chaudhary of Sonpur-7 to the capital as a Kamalari. She claimed that she has been working at Dr. Shashank Koirala's house in the capital since last seven years. Dr. Koirala, who is the nephew of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, is a Constituent Assembly member.

(Are you serious? This guy is one of 601 people in the country who will write the new constitution and have the responsibility of integrating women's rights into the highest legal document in the land, and he kept this girl as a "slave". Do you think women's rights and issues are a concern for this man? No. So if him and his friends don't stand up and advocate women's concerns in the constitution...who will? This is yet another reflection of the elites in this country keeping marginalized groups and women subservient.)

Welcome Home Erin!

2009-01-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

After a long one year and 3 months in Nepal, the other half of Global Daughter has returned home to Seattle for a surprise 3 week visit. Erin's parents had no idea that she was coming and were in complete shock and disbelief when they saw her. While home, Erin is excited to spend time with her family, friends, and to meet some of the people who have contributed their time and talents to Global Daughter.

Erin would also love to attend and be a part of a GD Fair Trade Party, since she has never had a chance to do so living in Kathmandu. If anyone is interested in hosting one the first week of February please contact Erika at erika@globaldaughter.com. The hostess will receive a free gift, along with 50% of any item of their choosing.

Welcome back Erin! Enjoy the electricity, hot water, and delicious eats while you can!

"Change has Come"

2009-01-20T14:39:00.003-08:00

"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."

-The 44th President of the United States of America

Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

Let us celebrate today and take with us the call from our President to be more active in service at home and abroad.

Lights OUT.

2009-01-15T05:45:00.007-08:00

Nepali cartoon

As Winter rolls around in Nepal, it is expected that there will be power cuts. Every year around December, the traditional dry season in Nepal, the rivers dry up and hydro-power plants are not able to produce enough power supply to suit the demand. Last winter we had up to 8 hours a day of power cuts, refer to our blog last year at this time. We thought that was bad. Currently, we lose power 16 hours a day. Yes, that means we have power for only 8 hours a day. If you are lucky enough to have a generator, this is not even enough time to recharge it for the next outage. The city is black. Industries are shutting down, restaurants are empty, unemployment is on the rise, TV stations go off air for 5 hours a day, electric-powered rickshaws are grounded, crime during power cut hours is sky-rocketing, internet is scarce, development projects are on hold, hospitals are turning patients away and water can not be pumped from the ground and distributed. All the while, the government and the monopoly, Nepal Electric Authority, are pointing fingers at each other, India and the hydro power industry. No one is taking responsibility for the crisis.

The only thing the country is in full supply of is tension. Protests and rallies are held everyday by different groups speaking out against the government's inability to secure a basic need and function of daily life. People are fed up with the stagnation of development and an increasingly volatile situation is turning away potential foreign investments.

For me personally and for Global Daughter, everything is connected to our ability to have electricity. Our silversmith can not produce GD jewelry without his tools, women can not work in the dark to produce our beaded goods, the protests are halting the transportation of our goods from the Terai into Kathmandu- all this among other things is making production and product development a nightmare. Our troubles can't compare to those effected most, but it does make for a very discouraging business environment.

The joke around here is that we have returned to the "dark" ages. How can this country develop into a functioning democracy if it can't even supply power to the people. True, most backward villages have no power anyways, but for this crisis to sweep over the capital is alarming. Be assured, corrupt government officials and ministers are sitting in their over-sized houses with full power, lights on in every room and the TV running 24 hours a day. They still collect their checks, payoffs and hush money while their people starve for power, food, jobs and money.

Score one for communism.

TWINS!

2009-01-11T01:55:00.009-08:00

I got to see the new twin babies, 1.5 months old down in Chitwan when I was there for the elephant futbol. They are unreal. They actually fell asleep with their bums back to back, standing up while we were there. It was so cute! This is the first time that an elephant has given birth to twins in Nepal and only the second time in the world that an elephant in captivity has given birth to healthy twins. The other two births happened in Sri Lanka. Lucky!

This mother elephant, named Devi Kali, gave birth to twin baby elephants at the elephant breeding center in Chitwan National Park (Southern Nepal) on November 6, 2008. Both babies are male. Their names are "Ram Gaj" and "Laxman Gaj" after Hindu brother gods. The first baby was born at 11:00 PM. All the elephant handlers were working for the care of the first baby but they were surprised when after four hours at 3:00 AM of November 7, another baby was born.

The Government of Nepal has established a Breeding Center in Chitwan where cow elephants are mainly sired by dominant male wild elephants. These twins babies were sired by a wild elephant called "Romeo." He was so named because he is a "regular" visitor to the center. Later these babies will be trained and used for conservation purposes within the park. There are around 200 captive elephants in Nepal. Around 100 of them are owned by Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation and 100 by private institutions. Elephants have socio-cultural and economic significance in Nepalese society. Government elephants are mainly used for the management of national parks. (They are also the elephants trained for "elephant futbol"). Elephants are used for wildlife and park management, research, monitoring and of course, tourism.

Elephant Olympics

2009-01-09T00:17:00.012-08:00

The "Elephant Olympics" are held in Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal every December. Elephants and their "team" are sponsored by local and international companies or organizations. Elephant "foot race," elephant futbol (hilarious), ox cart races, horse runs- all are included in the three-day event.

I went with a few of my friends up to Chitwan to observe this crazy and unique tradition. A few weeks before, the annual elephant polo tournament was held in the same area. This brings in teams from all over the world to compete in polo competition for prize money. A guy from Seattle is actually a big sponsor for the polo here and comes every year apparently. How does one practice elephant polo in Seattle?!

Elephant futbol was my favorite. They have been training the smaller elephants for two years to kick the ball, with trunks and feet. People take it very seriously. At one point in the 4v4 match, one of the elephants, or hatti, in Nepali, scored on his own goalie. Oops, buddy. He was promptly whacked by his rider with a long stick. You can imagine it being a scene from a five-year old match at home (minus the sticks).

The crowd huddled around the field which was much smaller than a regular futbol field. One would think the pitch would be a bit bigger given the size of the players! When the ball would go out of bounds, into the massive crowd that was stacked up right on the sidelines, everyone would give a big yelp. Women in saaris scattered and kids high-tailed it off to the side. I tried to position myself far enough to be safe, but close enough to catch the action.

You know you are watching elephant futbol when...

-The goalie takes a big heaping poo in goal and then goes about his business guarding his territory
-The ground rumbles beneath your feet from over 40 tons of thunder
-The jungle is the stadium
-The players can juggle with their nose
-An autograph is not an option

After futbol I took a jungle safari on one of the elephants and saw some one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, spotted deer and heaps of other creatures. The rhinos were my favorite. I saw two groups of mother-child pairs. They look so prehistoric and fake, almost robotic. Beautiful grey color. The elephant I was riding was the oldest and tallest elephant in the park. We bonded a little bit and he invited me to come back to the jungle anytime for a chat.

This is so cool up close.

Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United vs. Arsenal...jungle style!

Front row seats.

Canoe trip down the river.

My ride for the morning jungle safari. Kindred spirit.

Those are not mechanical creatures.

Spotted deer.

Prehistoric like.

Mother watching over her dead baby. Apparently she gave birth the night before and the baby died. Too weak to survive. Very touching moment.

This is not a statue.

Tharu women in the jungle.

THUNDER at the races.

Lagging behind...

Enjoying it all from the sidelines.

Runners on your mark...

The jungle makes me sleepy.

div>

2009.

2009-01-03T03:08:00.003-08:00

"For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
~T.S. Eliot

Happy New Year from Global Daughter! Thank you for all your support and encouragement this past year. We wish you and your families many blessings this coming year.

May we all have new opportunities to make an impact and a better understanding of our place in the world. Cheers!

Christmas at the orphanage

2008-12-29T23:37:00.010-08:00

Dipendra. The boy I have sponsored for the last two years. He is an ace in school and very polite. He got a new pair of shoes this Christmas!

Peace.

Prince (his real name) being a doll face.

The best Christmas card. Ever.

Wherthers and dark chocolate. Nothing but the best for these kids!

Susan getting after her Wherthers Original.

My little soul mate. She played Mary in the play last year. With her new cap.

Lining up for presents.

The church. People were playing musical chairs. Joy.

Christmas in Nepal takes on a whole new meaning...or as the last blog post pointed out, the opposite meaning! But, in the two Christmases I have spend in Nepal, I have never been more aware of the "feeling" of the holiday. The last two years I have attended a Christmas programme at an Orphanage in the Kathmandu Valley. The kids dress up in the full nativity garb- add a little Nepali make-up, hair and dance- and recreate the birth of Jesus on a stage before a village of 200 people. This year, Mary and Joseph were played by two of the youngest children (done up with rosy cheeks and lipstick) and baby Jesus was played by a tattered "white" doll with a few strands of hair and one eye. It was precious. For them it is not an expression of faith or religion, it is chance for them to dress up and be a part of something.

Each child from the orphanage, there are 21, gets a present from the church pastor. This year it was a mix of stocking caps and homework notebooks. The kids are ecstatic to get anything and most just carry around the present still in the wrapping- they don't need to tear into it to be satisfied. Each get a small bar of chocolate- Cadbury- a treat. And although they couldn't wait to tear into it, they still wanted to share it with me.

Santa might not live in Nepal, but "Christmas spirit" certainly does.

Last year my grandmother graciously donated money for me to purchase sweatsuits for all the kids at the orphanage. They range in age from 4-11 and most a very small for their age. With her donation I went with their teacher to the market and picked out a mix/match of warm clothes for each of them. When I arrived at the orphanage on Christmas day to present them with the clothes, I was greeted with wide smiles and a collection of Christmas cards from the kids. They were very appreciative and so grateful for Erin's grandmama.

This year when I went back to donate more clothes and visit the children on Christmas, I found some of the kids still wearing the sweat suits! A few torn and tattered sleeves, a few dal bhat stains, but overall, in tact and still keeping little kiddies warm. A few of the kids had gotten so big I didn't even recognize them! Just in one year they grew so lean and tall. They rushed towards me with smiles and hugs, remembering that I was the girl who brought clothes last year. It was great to see their little faces on a day when I was so far away from my own family.

Some of the children do not have families, or have been abandoned by them. Little Maina, who has come out of her shell so much this year, was abandon by her mother after she gave birth to her. Her mother has no feeling in her legs and can not walk properly. She was raped during the war and became pregnant with Maina. The shame and pain caused her to give Maina away. When you look into this girls eyes you want to erase it all and rewind time. But the best thing to do is give her a big squeeze and tell her she is beautiful and loved. Her story is the most painful at the orphanage, but the other children's stories are also tragic in their way as well.

The kids made me cards this year, most starting out with "Dear Erin Madam."

I think this is so cute, but it ages me so much!! They have these great little drawings and depictions of a chunky Santa on a roof or a big fluffy bow on a small square present. One child, Santamaan, drew a picture of an island with a coconut tree and a boat in the sea. I asked him if he had ever seen a place like that before, a sea or a coconut tree in Nepal. He said that he had seen it before...In his dreams.

Love these kids.

Like my grandmother last year, friends and customers of Global Daughter donated graciously to giving the children clothes this Christmas. Thank you to our dear friend Suzanne and her two boys, Christian and Josiah, and to our sister, Brianna and her three children, Eve, Isaac, and Elijah for growing out of some fabulous winter clothes! And thanks to our big brother, Tony, who carried all the stuff in his suitcase from America!

Merry Christmas from Nepal. Merry Christmas from Global Daughter. Enjoy each other.

Nepal's take on Christmas....

2008-12-25T11:53:00.005-08:00

President, PM extend Christmas wishes
Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, Dec 25 - President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday extended wishes to all the Nepalis following Christianity living in the country and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

President Yadav said the Nepalis have the rights to celebrate their practices and festivals in an independent manner. He further added that the respect to every religion, religious tolerance is the main core of secularism.

In a statement issued by the President’s Office today, President Yadav expressed his wish to create peaceful, prosperous and progressive Nepal following the path showed by Jesus Christ.

Likewise, PM Dahal expressed his hope that the people all round the world will get inspiration on increasing humanity, brotherhood, sympathy and secularism for the betterment of the humans on the occasion.

Also today, the Nepali Congress (NC) issued a statement today and extended wishes on the occasion of Christmas. The NC also expected that the occasion will inspire the youths to solve the national problems through mutual understanding and cooperation.

One of the biggest festivals of the Christian religion, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. The government has declared this day a national holiday.
People start making merry from the evening before Christmas also known as the Christmas Eve. Christians believe that Santa Claus riding a reindeers’ chariot comes at mid-night to gift a Christmas presents. Most Christians decorate homes with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms.

*Isn't it interesting to hear a Hindu Country's interpretation of what Christmas means? I wonder how many misconceptions we have about traditions and customs practiced around the world....

Happy Birthday Erika!

2008-12-22T19:47:00.003-08:00

Happy birthday, Global Daughter. Make a wish and blow out the candles.

(I hope that wish goes something like this: "Global Daughter featured on Oprah"....or some variation of this!)

Best friend. Best business partner. Best life partner.

Enjoy your cake. Try to share a little some with the other birthday boy.....Jesus. Kidding. Eat the whole thing yourself and then say a prayer.

Chat Noir Photographie

2008-12-17T19:43:00.021-08:00

Global Daughter is so proud of everyone associated with this project and we want to make sure that they are recognized as part of the team! We are very fortunate to have photographer and all-around sparkly saint, Kerrigan Swan-Garcia, shooting our products. We fell in love with her work and asked if she could help us coordinate the visual aspects of Global Daugther's products. From the beginning she has been so gracious with her time and talent- we look forward to one day bringing her with us around the world to capture the spirit and life of GD women artisans.

Let us introduce you to this amazingly loving and creative woman. In her own words....

Life is funny; sometimes we come full circle in ways we do not expect. Over 15 years ago (geez!) I was very actively involved with Riot Grrrl and one of the many things that drew me to the “modern feminist movement” was the aspect of women supporting and encouraging other women instead of believing that we must always be in competition with one another and/or put each other down to get ahead in business, life, and relationships.

After some brushes with death and experiencing numerous serious health concerns at a fairly young age, I struggled with the knowledge that I would leave no legacy upon my passing. Through photography, I strive to find beauty in unusual places and leave something beautiful behind in my wake.

There is so much in this world that is over-looked in every day life… the way sun glints off kitty whiskers after they lap up water, the inherent grace and symmetry of light and shadow underneath a rusty old Northern Pacific Railway car, the careful expression and deliberately emotive care in memorial statuary. These are the moments I endeavor to capture in hopes that someone else might feel a stirring in their soul or find comfort in a lonely time through my pictures. I truly believe that there is beauty and wonder all around us – if we are wise enough to see.

Kerrigan's work has recently been featured in "Capture El Paso" a collection of photographs representing the city's landscapes. She has also been a finalist in National Geographic's 2008 International Photo Contest for an amazing portrait.

Kerrigan signing her photo featured in the "Capture El Paso" photography book at the release party in Texas. (Available now at Barnes and Noble)

Enjoy some samples of Kerrigan's work...

For more information about Chat Noir Photographie or to view galleries and purchase prints, please go to: http://www.chatnoirphotographie.com/

Killer.

2008-12-12T06:18:00.005-08:00

Photo: The New York Times

Coffin makers report an increase in sales. With the cholera spilling into neighboring countries, and millions of people enduring severe hunger, there are rising international calls for Mr. Mugabe to step down after 28 years in power. But he seems only to be digging in and even declared Thursday that the nation's cholera epidemic had ended, a day after the World Health Organization warned that the outbreak was grave enough to carry "serious regional implications."

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/12/11/world/20081212CHOLERA_index.htmll

Global "little" Brother

2008-12-07T05:53:00.014-08:00

Our "bai," or, little brother, Nabin is a seven year old boy whose mother used to care for the house we lived in here in Nepal. He is a very special person and was a big motivation for us during the development of this project.

His family has nothing. They live in a house the size of a bathroom, but they make do and smile all the while. He is going to school, which is the most important thing, but a child in America could never imagine living his life. He has only a few toys, most used and dirty. He does have an electronic robot toy which he has worn out a million times over. He likes his robot, but mostly him and his little neighborhood buddies play with bricks, or stones and jump around on piles of dirt.

They come up with the most amazing inventions to entertain themselves, as TV and video games are not an option. One day we saw them pick up some used old plastic rope and tie it onto a brick and they hauled that brick around making designs in the sand for hours. It was so heart-warming. I guess kids are kids everywhere, but some are more fortunate than others. The innocence is pure love.

Anyway, he is part of our family so we decided to collect a few things to give him as presents. We shipped over a package and last week I delivered it to him at the old house. He had a heart attack when he saw the shiny micro-cars. I gave him one of those cars about a year ago, and while some kids may have lost it or thrown it out, it was still sitting on the table, dented, discolored and in all kinds of bad shape. When he saw three new cars to add to his collection he literally started jumping up and down (on a single bed, shared by three people).

His mom was almost in tears at his joy and her unspoken gratefulness brought tears to my eyes as well. He got a few warm jackets, jumpers, pants and a pair of shoes. The shoes are too big for him, but he put them on and pranced around the compound like a prince.

We included some chocolate-which ended up mostly on face- some eggs and bread- so he can have a hearty breakfast- and orange juice- because he never gets to drink it, but drank gallons of it at our house! He was thrilled to get a pack of crayons and a few coloring books and workbooks as well. Something tells me those crayons will get worn down to little nubs by the time his attention is lost.

Erika also printed out several pictures that we had taken while living there of Nabin and his family, friends, and sisters (the Global Daughters). They were the very first print photographs for Nabin so he was thrilled. He kept pointing to himself and Erika and laughing. "Erika sister! Erika sister!"

We really have love for this little boy and wish everything in the world that is sweet, happy and good for him and his family. We are so happy that he is getting an education and hope that we will be in the position in the future to make sure that he continues through high school, college, and beyond. He is a shining star, really. We are both better people for having met him and can't wait to see him grow up and share himself with the world.

We would like to thank the people that contributed generously to his package, our Global Sister and biggest supporter, Brianna and our close friend and favorite mama, Suzanne.

Thank you for putting an even bigger smile on Nabin's already bright face!

Playing with the new sticker workbook.

Licking chocolatey lips

Outside the house

yummy!

New digs!

Visit us at the Holiday Bazaar!

2008-12-05T10:25:00.007-08:00

Global Daughter will be at the "Tyee Holiday Bazaar" from 9AM-4PM Saturday, December 6th.

The address is:

Tyee Educational Complex 4424 South 188th St Seattle, WA 98188

We will be offering holiday discounts on Christmas ornaments, silver jewelry, shopping bags and more! We hope you will give a gift that tells a story this year!

Traveling or Moving to Nepal Anytime Soon?

2008-12-05T08:59:00.004-08:00

I woke up to find this dire-toned warning in my inbox. Erin and I registered with the US Embassy in Nepal so they would know where to find us if something big ever went down.

Travel Warning United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520

NEPAL November 21, 2008

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Nepal and urges caution when traveling in country. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal and urges American citizens to obtain updated security information before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans on short notice. This replaces the Travel Warning for Nepal dated May 7, 2008 and updates safety and security information following the formation of the coalition government in August, 2008.

Despite the recent smooth transition of government, some unrest remains. The Young Communist League (YCL), a Maoist Party subgroup, continues to engage in extortion, abuse, and threats of violence, particularly in rural areas. Youth groups from the other two main political parties, the Nepali Congress (NC) and the United Marxist-Leninist Party (UML), have also formed and clashes continue among these political rivals. Violent actions by multiple armed splinter groups in the Terai region along the southern border with India remain a significant concern.

While protests and pre-election localized bombing incidents have decreased, demonstrations and disruptions still occur. During demonstrations, protestors have used violence, including damaging vehicles, throwing rocks, and burning tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity, and unpredictability of disturbances, American citizens are urged to exercise special caution during times when demonstrations are announced, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel, and maintain a low profile. Curfews can be announced with little or no advance notice.

Crime in the Kathmandu Valley, including violent crime and harassment of women, continues to rise. Police resources to combat such crime are limited. Police have reported a number of robberies by armed gangs, sometimes resulting in injury to the victims. The U.S. Embassy reports an increase in crime in some popular tourist areas such as Pokhara and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Visitors to Nepal should practice good personal security when moving about, especially at night, and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of cash, or wearing expensive jewelry. In several reported incidents tourists have had their belongings stolen from their rooms while they were asleep. Solo trekkers have been robbed by small groups of young men, even on some popular trails. Some Young Communist League members extort money from foreign tourists along some popular trekking routes, and have threatened physical violence to Nepalis and non-Nepalis alike for violating localized strikes.

Travel via road in areas outside of the Kathmandu Valley is hazardous due to erratic drivers and frequent road accidents. Public transportation, such as microbuses and tuk tuks, should be avoided because they are often overfilled, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. American citizens should use taxis with meters or negotiate a price with the taxi driver before starting a trip.

Most U.S. official travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Officer. As a result, The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens may be limited. Active duty U.S. military and Department of Defense contractors must obtain a country clearance for official and personal travel to Nepal.

The U.S. Government’s designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” organization under Executive Order 13224 and its inclusion on the “Terrorist Exclusion List” pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act remain in effect. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States without a waiver and bar U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.

SKETCHING HUMAN RIGHTS ART EXHIBIT

2008-12-03T04:04:00.017-08:00

Jerry Robinson

USA

This collection of 69 thought-provoking cartoons, 22 of which are displayed below, illustrates the meaning of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conveys the importance of upholding the human rights and fundamental freedoms set forth in its 30 articles.

Images are powerful and as history has taught us, images are power. An image can tell a story in a way that cuts through all the filler and gets right to the heart of our 'universal history book.' The images below are uncomfortable, intense, sharp and above all else, a symbol of our human rights in and of themselves. Most of these artists "know their rights" and their work attempts to put a voice to the billions of people on this planet who do not even know their basic human rights.

These images pose a question- who is responsible? And the uncomfortable and unmistakable answer is: you. me. us. We are all responsible for each other when it comes to defending human rights. We are responsible as human beings to uphold the rights that we all share, no matter what side of the world we live on, what faith we choose to follow, or what role we play in our societies. We must protect those who can not protect themselves and stand up for those who can not stand alone.

Look at the images, swirl them around in your mind and ask your own questions- to your governments, your leaders, your societies. You might not get answers- or answers you like- but as these images display, those who seek and expose truth and injustice give the greatest power to the story of human rights.

(click on images to enlarge)

Jonathan Shapiro

South Africa

Felipe Galindo

USA

Jugoslav Vlahovic

Serbia

Tayo Fatunia

Nigeria

Starvo Jabra

Lebanon

Serguei Goizauskas

France

Peter Schrank

Ireland

Finn Graff

Norway

Roar Hagen

Norway

Marco De Angelis

Italy

Heiko Sakari

Germany

Dusan Petricic

Canada

Vladimir Motchalov

Russian Federation

Dengcoy Miel

Singapore

Medi Belortaja

Albania

Bruno Liberati

Brazil

Kostas Mitropoulos

Greece

Javad Alizadeh

Iran

Ewert Karisson

Sweden

Dale Cummings

Canada

Wolfgang Ammer

Austria

*For more information on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to download the Declaration or to learn more about the cartoon exhibit, go to:

http://www.un.org/events/humanrights/udhr60/declaration.shtml

World AIDS Day 2008

2008-11-30T20:38:00.005-08:00

World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988. World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.

Take Action

There are many ways you can take action in response to HIV/AIDS:

-get tested for HIV
-practice safe methods to prevent HIV
-decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
-talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues
-provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS
-get involved with or host an event for World AIDS Day in your community

**For more information on Worlds AIDS Day or to learn more about prevention, risks and awareness campaigns, go to http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/index.html

First National GD Fair Trade Party!

2008-11-29T13:14:00.004-08:00

We are very pleased to announce that Global Daughter has gone National! We had our first Fair Trade Party in Fort Wayne, Indiana courtesy of Joan and Adam. They reported an amazing turnout and response to the product and the story behind it. We are looking forward to expanding our parties throughout the US, and thanks to Joan and Adam it seems like this could be a very successful endevour for women right here at home.
If you are interested in becoming a Global Daughter Consultant please contact Erika at erika@globaldaughter.com

Thanks again to Joan, Adam, Amanda, and Fort Wayne for your support!

The Display

Global Son??

The Hostess Joan put out quite a spread!

Filling out their orders.

Trouble deciding? Take them all!

Erin's Scooty Mishap

2008-11-25T20:54:00.007-08:00

Another pain med?? Sure.

That is shock, not happiness.

Recently Erin took quite a nasty tumble on her scooter ride in Pokhara. Luckily her brother, Tony, was there to help her out. Erin still had to make the hour drive, in shock, to the nearest medical facility to get stitches.

Back in Kathmandu Erin tried to see her doctor to tend to the wound. Unfortunately, there was a riot that day and a burning bus in front of the hospital so she could not make the appointment. Two days later she went in and they discovered that her wound had become infected in the bone and that she would require surgery. She had it done immediately with several friends there to help her through it. We are hopeful that even though Nepal is not renowned for their medical services that the recovery will go smoothly.

This Thanksgiving, Erin will be laid up in her bed recovering, so please keep her in your thoughts.

Trafficking is Real.

2008-11-19T01:38:00.005-08:00

Women and Girl's Trafficking in Nepal is a prevalent practice throughout the country. Girls are literally plucked from small villages as their parents are promised that they will have a prosperous future "working abroad." Some parents believe that their daughters will find domestic work in India, but some know they will enter the sex trade in major Indian cities. The girls, too, are scammed by "traders" into thinking they will find employment and wealth in the big city. Most are uneducated and desperate and they are taken advantage of by people who have no conscious or humanity.

It is a sad reality for poor families in disadvantaged corners of Nepal. Girls are often seen as a burden for parents- some would rather have them "disappear" than feed and take care of them. So they send them to their fate in back alleys and brothels in India. Here they are abused, raped and treated like animals. They are alone, scared and literally trapped.

Many anti-trafficking organizations based in Kathmandu are working to recover missing girls and rehab those that have been exposed to the sex trade in the past. They perform undercover-type activities to catch sex traders and infiltrate trafficking networks. In some operations, the organizations set out to stop tourist buses and micro vans that come from Nepal and cross the border into India.

One of the producers we work with in a border city to the West relayed to me this story a few days ago. He was on a bus from Kathmandu to the border and about 5KM before the border check area, the bus was stopped by a group of women literally in the middle of the road. They boarded the bus and showed papers that proved they were with Maiti Nepal, one of the most well-known anti-trafficking organizations. They demanded to see ID papers from all those on the bus. They said they were checking for girls who were being trafficked into India. As they checked everyone, they discovered that a man was on board with two young girls, who were neither his daughters nor family members. The girls were questioned outside the bus and it came out that they had been taken from their village a few days earlier by this man who promised to find them work in Calcutta. The man was taken into custody and the girls were escorted back to Maiti Nepal headquarters in Kathmandu for observation and counseling.

When I was hearing this story it gave me chills. This NGO has taken the initiative to attack a problem that the government has been unable to address. And in doing so, they have highlighted the immense need for continued efforts by the government to end this appalling human rights violation. The laws against traffickers are too lenient and the money that changes hands in the web of the sex trade industry in Nepal is the dirtiest money around. People are paid off, families are lied to by both authorities and traffickers, and at the end of the day, girls are still vanishing.

Initiatives taken by Maiti and other NGOs are hopeful. The rehabilitation programme at Mathi is famous. Women staying in the Center even produce handicrafts as a way to earn a living wage. Global Daughter is in touch with the Center and will more than likely be selling a few of their products on-line soon. Supporting this group means saying "no" to sexual exploitation and saying "yes" to empowerment. It is not enough to rehabilitate their spirit, we must offer them a new way of life. By becoming a working artisan, they are given the opportunity to retain stable employment and appropriately integrate back into society. The Center encourages women to be financially secure by teaching them a variety of income generating skills.

We look forward to being associated with this group and joining the fight against domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labor and forms of exploitation and torture.

For more information about Maiti Nepal, please visit their website at: http://www.maitinepal.org/pages.php?option=About%20Us

Sewing Machine Project Update

2008-11-16T23:07:00.015-08:00

In the past two months Global Daughter has been able to raise the funds to purchase two sewing machines for our women producers at the Janakpur Arts and Crafts Center. In a shopping trip with our lead designer, Lanjana, and co-owner of the Center, Ajit, we decided on an electric sewing machine and a foot peddle "fashion maker." Lanjana was very excited to have a new and modern machine- especially the fashion maker which will allow for better finishing work and detail.

Both machines were presented in Janakpur to the workshop's manager, Rina. Due to major flooding in the area, GD could not attend the ceremony to bless the sewing machines. We did, however, receive a letter from Rina thanking us and our contributors for the new additions. She said they look forward to beginning work with the machines as soon as possible.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project by either purchasing a GD signature shopping bag or donating funds. We were overwhelmed by the out pour of support for the cause and will be extending the project so that we can purchase more supplies for the center in the future.

The success of this project inspires us to find new ways to assist women artisans and provide them with the tools to be successful. Stay tuned to learn what new GD project you can be a part of!

On behalf of Global Daughter and the woman at JAC, thank you for making a difference....one stitch at a time.

*A very special thanks to Kerry Clark of Federal Way and to the Auburn Soroptomist Group for their extremely generous donations.

Purchase your "I am a Global Daughter" shopping bag today to join the Sewing Machine Project...

Find a GD Holiday Event Near You!

2008-11-12T11:05:00.007-08:00

This season don't just give a gift....tell a story.

Please visit us at one of the events listed below this holiday season to pick up your handmade-fair trade gifts. With prices starting as low as $5 you don't have to worry about going over your limit and you can still make a purchase that matters!

Thursday, November 20th
Holiday Magic Chat Party, Seattle
The Fairview Club
2022 Boren Ave. Seattle 98121
6PM-9PM
Tickets: $44.00 per person. Includes appetizers, wine and shopping. No-host bar provided. Please visit http://www.chatwithwomen.com/ for your ticket or more information.

Saturday, November 22nd
Rock Creek Shopping Parade, Maple Valley
Rock Creek Housing Community
Start Time: 10AM (All Day Event)
*This is an event put on by Rock Creek Community. There will be open houses with a wide range of gift items for sale. Please email erika@globaldaughter.com for Global Daughter's specific address at this event.

Saturday, November 29th
Holiday Open House, Kirkland
10AM-8PM
*Please join us for food, shopping, special holiday discounts, and fun for an all day open house. Please email erika@globaldaughter.com for more details.

Saturday, December 6th
Tyee Holiday Bazaar, Sea Tac
4424 S. 188th St Sea Tac, 98188
9AM-4PM
*Sponsored by DECA, this is a great opportunity to pick up some unique gifts from local crafters and of course Global Daughter!

In addition to these events, Global Daughter is continuing to throw Fair Trade House Parties. If you are interested in hosting a party, please contact Erika. The hostess will receive a free gift in addition to 50% of any item.

Our online boutique, www.globaldaughter.com is also a great place to do your holiday shopping. Between now and the holidays spend $150 or more and receive free shipping!

We hope to see you at one of our events! Thanks to everyone for their continued support of Global Daughter.

Nepal-India Treaty Needed to Curb Trafficking

2008-11-06T12:14:00.003-08:00

This from Nepal Kantipur Report:

KATHMANDU, Nov 5 - It is not possible to provide justice to survivors of trafficking and to punish traffickers unless there is a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India, a regional conference concluded.

"Countries in South Asia should have a common legal standard to trace and punish traffickers," said Sabin Shrestha, an advocate associated with Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD). "For Nepal, special bilateral treaty with India is a must to combat human trafficking."
He said this at the Regional Meeting for Media, Lawyers and Professionals organised by United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

According to Shrestha, Nepal is the country of origin and India is the major destination of human trafficking. The current agreements between the two countries do not include human trafficking. As a result, it is very difficult to produce adequate proof to punish traffickers.

"Only brokers are getting punishment not those who buy our Nepali people," Shrestha said. "If there is proper extradition treaty or common standard legal provision, it would be easy to punish both brokers and buyers involved in human trade."

According to him, till date, evidences documented in India are not accepted as proof in Nepal. For example if an NGO rescues a Nepali woman from an Indian brothel, Nepali authorities do not take this as proof.

There should be a record of those leaving for India and coming from India, which would make it easier to trace traffickers, he said.

Due to lack of sufficient proof, legal protection and support mechanism as well as social stigma and threats from traffickers, survivors of trafficking do not register their case with the police. He also said that the very few incidences of conviction have deterred survivors.

According to one study carried out by FWLD, only in about 33 percent of the registered cases is there a conviction.

International Labor Organization estimates that about 12,000 women and children are trafficked from Nepal every year. However, police records show that during 2006/07 only 112 cases of trafficking were filed with the police, while the number during 2005/06 was 97 and it was 72 in the year 2004/05.

Aruna Thapa of UNIFEM said that SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution, 2002, also has provisioned for bilateral treaty. "But this has not been followed up, due to which traffickers go scot-free as Nepali authorities cannot take action against Indian criminals involved in human trafficking and Indian authorities cannot punish Nepali traffickers," said Thapa.

It's Time For a Change!

2008-11-04T13:46:00.004-08:00

The Word is Spreading....

2008-10-28T16:01:00.003-07:00

Global Daughter was featured in this week's Business Examiner. We invite you to read the article below:

Global Daughter aims for worldwide focus on foreign exports
10/27/2008
Source: Business Examiner
Author: Breanne Coats

There are numerous Web sites that sell unique products to customers online. There are also numerous female advocacy sites on the Web as well. What two Auburn natives felt was missing, though, was a combination of these two types of sites.

Global Daughter works with Nepali women designers, painters, tailors, master cutters and jewelers on a regular basis to create products that the business can then sell to Western consumers.

Owners Erika Mosebach and Erin Miller started Global Daughter to empower working women in Nepal. They are in charge of the Web site, www.globaldaughter.com, but all of the products that are sold through the Internet site are produced by women in the Himalayan mountains.
“We started from scratch and are trying to fine tune,” Mosebach said. “We want to give them all the tools to succeed.”

The company uses the phrase, “for women, by women, inspired by all women,” to promote its products.

The site features the following types of merchandise: jewelry, handbags, natural paper, home decor, organic tea and children’s products. From business cards, product tags and screening on merchandise, Mosebach said, women in Nepal not only make the products they sell, but also the various things they use to promote Global Daughter.

When shopping at places with “fair trade” products, Mosebach said, sometimes customers can't be sure if the businesses really are abiding by fair trade practices.

But with Global Daughter, people can rest assured, she said, since either she or her partner will actually be in Nepal helping the women get materials and paying them for their products directly.

In the future, Mosebach and Miller plan to expand Global Daughter to other countries. Their next stop will probably be Cambodia, Mosebach said.

Global Daughter started with Nepal because the two founders had a personal connection there and wanted to do something to help. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and the level of corruption there makes it even harder for money to trickle down to the regular citizens.
Global Daughter aims to get money directly into residents’ hands, specifically women, since they are often viewed as second-class citizens.
While the online boutique’s merchandise is made from products found in Nepal, Global Daughter does not try to make its products “scream Nepal.” Rather, Mosebach said, they are aiming to make their products more marketable in the United States.

The business has especially formed a close relationship with the artisans and management of Janakpur Arts and Crafts Center. This center provides clean working conditions, fair and reasonable working hours and wages. It also provides in-workshop meals to its women workers, according to Global Daughter.

To help get their business rolling, Mosebach has been hosting Global Daughter parties. She goes to people’s homes and shares the stories of its operations and the women it works with from Nepal. People can pay for and receive Global Daughter’s products at these parties.
“We’ve just had a great response,” Mosebach said. “Women love to get together and shop for a cause.”

While the two entrepreneurs do hope they can make some sort of living from the site, Mosebach said it is really more about making change in the lives of Nepali women.

Mosebach and Miller have to deal with a lot of unforeseen problems.

For example, the people in Nepal frequently go on strike. And when they do, no one works, which can stall the online retailer’s business.

Also, if one of the women who makes a particular product gets sick, Global Daughter may just have to go without that product until the woman-producer gets better.

Yet, these issues do not deter Mosebach and Miller from following through with their goals.
“The mission is to hopefully empower women worldwide to lift themselves out of poverty,” Mosebach said.

Skills Training w/ Lanjana

2008-10-20T02:50:00.005-07:00

In September Global Daughter sponsored our lead designer, Lanjana, in a skills training workshop in Kathmandu. Here she was instructed by a fashion desinger from India on techniques in fushion of raw materials. For example, combining leather with elephant grass or nettle fibers with wood or bamboo. She attended the one-week course with about 20 other women artisans from the valley. We were proud to have her there representing our producers, Janakpur Arts and Crafts Center. She told me she learned many new things, and already she has started to produce protypes. We are very fotunate to have her associated with our project and hope to get her involved in more skills development workshops in the future! (Also, congratulations to Lanjana on her up-coming marriage!)

Breathe.

2008-10-17T00:48:00.010-07:00

I just returned from the most beautiful trek in the Langtang Himalayan Region. I decided to pick up the walking sticks and head away from the city and rejuvenate. On the seven-day excursion I was able to see four of the highest peaks in Nepal and well into the Tibetan Himalayan Region. The panoramic views from near the famous Goisakund Lakes, was stunning. You could see the peaks, Ginesh Himal, Langtang, Annapurna, Machupuchare and a slew of other smaller peaks. This area is mostly made up of Tibetan communities or Nepali Tamang ethnicities. The language is different from Nepali as well as the food and the customs. It was at times a very difficult trek, but worth every sweaty step. The great thing about trekking is that it really is just...walking. That is the secret. You just walk around and then stop to eat and walk again, look at stuff. Of course, when you get up to 4500 meters (14,800 ft) then it becomes very slooooow walking!

I met heaps of fantastic people along the trail and made friends with a few of the children at home in the villages on holiday. In one of the tea houses I stayed at, the woman who looked after the place knitted me some arm warmers. I want to sell them at Global Daughter, but the logistics of getting them back to KTM from 4,000 meters would be a nightmare. They are very cute, though and I look forward to wearing them this winter.

Life in the mountain regions is quite different than anywhere else in the country. Kids are used to walking up and down mountains, literally, to attend school or retrieve cooking gas, eggs, blankets... everything really. They will blaze past any fit trekker on the trail and they can handle the high altitudes like champs. They were born into it. On the trail I saw young women porters who weighed about 50Kgs (110lbs), carrying 40-50Kgs of baggage and equipment on their backs. Heaving up steep steps and dangerous foot paths. I was in awe. Some porters don't wear shoes and most don't have what we would consider "proper" trekking gear.

It was nice to get out into nature again after six months stuck in the polluted and noisy KTM valley. Out there it seems like time has stopped and it doesn't take you long to adjust to the pace. I sometimes forget that I live amongst the highest and most breathtaking mountains in the world. The trek made me realize even more how lucky I am to be here, in this place, doing what I love to do. The Nepalis I met in the mountain villages are so far removed from the politics and greed of the city, it reminds you that they are the most welcoming and peaceful people in the world. The simplicity of life is inspiring and the intense sense of family relationships is beautiful.

It is true.

When you sloooooow things down, you can see what you are supposed to... a whole lot clearer.

Langtang Peak. Dusk.

Breathe.

Flying kites is the coolest.

up, up, up...

Ginesh Himal, Annapurna Peaks from Laurabina.

Tamang village- Thulo Saphryu

This chunk was just sitting by herself, all alone in the middle of nowhere...mom was collecting fodder

Sunset

Knitting arm warmers by the fire.

4,500 meters- thin air and light head!

Fair Trade ll Fair Aid

2008-10-06T21:26:00.003-07:00

Global Daughter is committed to Fair Trade standards. What is Fair Trade?

*Providing fair wages in the local context,
*Supporting safe, healthy, and participatory workplaces,
*Supplying financial and technical support to build capacity,
*Promoting environmental sustainability,
*Respecting cultural identity,
*Offering public accountability and transparency,
*Building direct and long-term relationships, and
*Educating consumers.

For more information please visit www.globaldaughter.com

Ink

2008-09-25T09:19:00.005-07:00

We are pleased to announce our second bit of Global Daughter Press! This interview was taken in our hometown of Auburn, Washington and appeared in the Saturday edition of the Auburn Reporter. We look forward to more exposure in the future and appreciate all the support!

Auburn tandem extends helping hand to struggling women half a world away
By ROBERT WHALE
Auburn Reporter News reporter
Sep 20 2008

With refueling stops in New York and Abu Dhabi, 35 bone-numbing hours separate SeaTac Airport from its counterpart in Kathmandu, Nepal.

But more than physical space separates those compass points. Nepal, one of the poorest countries on Earth, recently has passed through the bloody trial of 12 years of civil war that wrenched it from a monarchy to a democracy.

Kathmandu, its capitol city, reeks with garbage, its air is choked by automobile exhaust fumes, its sacred river is fouled beyond description. Water-borne diseases kill thousands of people every year.

Auburn natives Erika Mosebach and Erin Miller, who live in Nepal, say that it also is one of the few countries in the world where women, working 16-hour days with little or no pay and subject to all kinds of degradation, die before the men.

Mosebach and Miller, best friends from childhood and at 27 seasoned world travelers, are doing something to ease the lot of their sisters across the globe.

Their brainchild is Global Daughter, an on-line fair trade, global boutique aimed at improving the economic standing of vulnerable women in Nepal. Its goal is to help the women there earn a better living by selling their handiwork all over the world, not just in their local marketplaces.

Global Daughter dates to the spring of 2007 when Miller volunteered in Nepal. She would later show Mosebach some beautiful handicrafts from her adventure.

“Later, we both did a volunteer project there, and the idea kind of spun after that,” said Mosebach. “What we saw was that all these poor countries are getting money from different donors, but it’s never trickling down to the people who actually need it because so often the governments are corrupt.”

In January 2008, Mosebach who with Miller had spent three years traveling through Asia, moved to Nepal and Global Daughter was born. Through fair-trade initiatives and skills development training, Global Daughter creates an opportunity for otherwise marginalized women to find an outlet for their talent and connect to the global market.

And because they actually live in Nepal, Mosebach and Miller are able to connect with women in profound ways.

That’s how they met Urmilla, a 70-year-old widow, and her 24-year-old daughter, Roma, who takes care of her. Mosebach and Miller first ran into them on a visit to one of the local markets, where they sell their beaded jewelry.

“They haven’t worked with any foreigners before and don’t speak any English,” Mosebach said. “We get a local guy from the market to help translate the stuff. Their house is just a room that they pay $14 a month in rent for. There’s a bed in there, and they sit on the floor and bead all day and bring their stuff to the market. We have started having them make these Cleopatra malla necklaces, which are our biggest seller. They might sell a piece or two at the market, but now since we have started working with them, we have increased their orders. Now they can make twice the average daily income.

“… They are ecstatic,” Mosebach said. “They have never worked with a foreigner before, and here they have gone from selling maybe a piece or two a day to having these big orders. It is going to change their lives dramatically.”

For one thing, the spike in income will enable the women to send their daughters, not just their sons, to school.

Such success and business acumen might come as a surprise to some considering neither is a business major – Mosebach holds a B.A. in European studies and Miller has a B.A. in philosophy.

Mosebach and Miller have financed everything themselves. They saved money living in Japan where they taught English to kids.

“What we are trying to do is provide women with skills development training and give them the resources and tools they need to be financially independent and successful,” Mosebach said. “We take the skills that they already know, working with textiles, handmade paper and jewelry, and we modify their designs or give them new ideas so that we can bring their handicrafts to the Western market.”

Nepal, Mosebach said, is such a landlocked country that it is hard to get in and out of, and it is hard to import and export goods. For this reason, the economic boom that swept over India and China bypassed Nepal.

“... They have never been a democracy before, so the people don’t really know how to deal with that or what that means. So basically, the country is in disarray, and there is no real government there; they are just trying to figure everything out. And because of that, there are still a lot of problems,” Mosebach said.

Mosebach has been in Auburn since July but will return to Nepal in January. Miller is still in Nepal.

“I am back here handling all the logistics and marketing of the business, including the launch of the Web site. It’s been a tedious process,” Mosebach said. “We used the resources we had in Nepal to get our website done, but it’s hard to do that when you lose power for eight hours a day.”

Mosebach said she and Miller expect the Nepal operation to run itself in a few years. At that point they will move on, likely to Cambodia, and repeat their success there.

“Our ultimate dream is for women worldwide to know what their value is, what their worth is. We want to improve living conditions for women all over the world and provide economic independence for these people, help lift them out of situations of poverty and abuse,” Mosebach said.

“... Not every woman is a mother, not every woman is a wife, but every woman is a daughter, so we can all identify with that,” Mosebach added.

To read more and to view their products, visit www.globaldaughter.com.

Auburn Reporter News reporter Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@reporternewspapers.com or 253-833-0218, ext. 5052.

Kathmandu Marathon/ 5K Kiddie Run

2008-09-22T00:31:00.006-07:00

So I didn't actually do the marathon, or even run with the grown-ups, but I did have a great time in the kid's 5K division! My friend was running with kids from her orphanage, so I hopped in and had a go. My practice regime consisted of late nights, San Miguel beer, loads of tandoori and long walks behind the tail pipes of city buses. I was in no condition, but as a former runner, I thought I would dust off the old Nike Air Max 95s!

In total Nepali fashion it was disorganized, late and included a little spice of vandalism. The race was so poorly managed that organizers could not determine the winners of a few of the events. Some runners in the half marathon, full marathon, and 5K did not even reach check points and some rode on motorcycles to complete the race. There were only a few water stations along the route for the marathon runners, leaving them waterless for long stretches. Runners furious at the mismanagement of the event, resorted to vandalism at the national stadium- where all the races finished- shattering podiums and chairs. You know you are in Nepal when....

They did not block the roads so during one stretch of the race about 1,000 people were smashed onto the tiny sidewalk while buses, trucks and vans whizzed by, nearly clipping the heels of runners. I almost got ran over by one of the "volunteers" on his motorcyle. I also saw people cutting through the course along the way. There was no one directing runners, so it was a free-for-all. I was shouting to the kids, "Don't take the short cut in life!" and as I was getting passed by 5-year olds in pig tails and torn-up Ked sneakers, I realized that this marathon was a metaphor for Nepal and its future. Without going into it, I am sure you get it.

Anyways, it was a nice event, full of hilarity and that special touch of Nepali lawlessness. I can't imagine anything else I would like to be doing more at 5am on a Saturday morning.