Maybe its because I love flashback sequences in movies, or perhaps #TBT on instagram has reminded me how fun it is to remember the past, but I just love thinking, “Where was I one year ago…today?”
So where exactly was I one year ago? I was the luckiest girl in the world because I was casually swimming in waterfalls and feeding monkeys in Ghana while studying abroad through Semester at Sea. I stay in touch with all of my friends from Semester at Sea, and one of them actually inspired this very article when she reconnected with me to tell me about the amazing company she interns for called 31 Bits, a jewelry company that sells jewelry made out of recycled paper by women in Uganda. Their mission? Use fashion and design to empower women to rise above poverty.
31 Bits was inspired when founder Kallie Dovel traveled to Uganda in 2007. The ongoing war in East Africa has displaced nearly 2 million people from their homes and villages in Northern Uganda. During her trip, Kallie was inspired by the personal stories of the incredible women she met who were making unique jewelry from recycled paper. She returned in 2008 with friends, and they selected six women to buy jewelry from on a monthly basis. 31 Bits now works with 108 women in Gulu, Uganda to create beautiful jewelry and empower these remarkable women.
Beyond just selling beautiful jewelry, 31 Bits aids the women of Uganda by helping them earn an income, which means providing homes, food, and education for them and their families. The women gain literacy education, which is important, as most of the women who participate with 31 bits are illiterate before joining; they leave being able to read and speak English. They also receive financial and vocational training, holistic care, and support systems, in addition to AIDS and health education.
Support 31 Bits by buying some of these beautiful jewelry pieces at a college-budget price (my favorites are the “Capperly Cuff” and the “Cloud Nine” necklace), and simultaneously aid empowerment of women in Uganda. Check out their website below for more information and get ready for their new spring line which will be launched on February 19th!
I know I can’t wait to buy myself jewelry to help women who are creating beautiful things even in the face of the ugly in the world.
All of the LOVE. http://31bits.com/