Thursday, September 22, 2011

GD Jewelry at Beetz Me!

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!

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!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Summer with Global Daughter

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!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Making a Connection

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!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

T'was a Trunk Show

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!




Monday, March 29, 2010

The Girl Effect.



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.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

GD Trunk Show- March 28th

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

Friday, January 22, 2010

Haitian Women Leaders

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.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Welcome globaldaughter.com friends!

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

Thursday, December 10, 2009

International Human Rights Day

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.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

2009 Women's Conference

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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

October is Fair Trade Month!

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

Monday, October 5, 2009

A Third Way to Think About Aid

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."


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

GD now at Autopia in San Mateo!


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

Friday, September 25, 2009

Baily Bennett Benefit


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.