Global Village Gifts to host “International Women’s Night Out”

Cathy Short, a former volunteer at Global Village Gifts, browses through merchandise at the nonprofit Logan store.

<a href=”http://www.globalvillagegifts.org/”>Global Village Gifts</a>, located at 69 E. 100 N. in Logan, will host its annual “International Women’s Night Out” on Friday, March 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is “Be Bold for Change.”

A member of the Fair Trade Federation, Global Village is the only nonprofit retail store in Utah whose profits are all returned to the artisans who create the merchandise that stocks the store’s shelves. These unique, handcrafted items are fashioned by women, people with disabilities and other marginalized populations in impoverished communities around the world.

One rack in the store showcases handmade greeting cards designed by women in the Philippines who are escaping prostitution. Nearby is a bookshelf filled with beautiful stationery, made out of elephant dung.  One-of-a-kind pieces from more than 45 countries are available for sale.

Cathy Short, who lives in River Heights, volunteered at Global Village several years ago and is a regular patron of the store.

“There’s something for everyone,” she said. “There’s so much diversity here, and it’s a marvelous thing.”

Modeling a wristlet made from recycled cassette tapes, Jane DeByle, Global Village’s volunteer coordinator, describes how much of the store’s merchandise is made from recycled or “upcycled” materials. A collection of jewelry from Cambodia, for example, is made of brass bomb shells. Purses and pillows made from recycled saris are also on display. Purchasing these products, DeByle said, gives consumers an opportunity to make choices that promote the <a href=”http://wfto.com/fair-trade/10-principles-fair-trade”>principles of fair trade</a>.

“Our purpose is to educate the public,” she said. “I have personally witnessed women and children—and I’m talking three-year-old children—working in a gravel pit being managed by men with whips. The chocolate and coffee markets have the highest rates of slave labor in the world. We don’t have a clue until we’ve seen it, and I’ve seen it firsthand. This is a personal mission to me.”

Global Village Gifts’ “International Women’s Night Out” is designed to raise awareness of circumstances like DeByle describes and, more important, to enlist support for efforts that facilitate change.  The event will feature a henna artist, activities to empower women and a donation-based Italian soda bar. Area merchants have provided prizes for the evening, and refreshments will be available.

Guests who bring contributions for the Sew ‘N Sews, a local women’s group that makes reusable sanitary napkins for girls in Uganda, will receive 20% off purchases made during the event, excluding food and beverages.  Without these pads, Ugandan schoolgirls are prohibited from attending classes during their monthly menstrual cycles. More information, including a list of requested items for the Sew ‘N Sews, is available at <a href=”http://www.globalvillagegifts.org/”>www.globalvillagegifts.org</a>. 

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