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Same Sky Bracelets: Empowering Women through Fashion

Allison Rubin

The next time you are looking for the perfect accessory to complete your outfit, look no further than a Same Sky bracelet. Every bracelet sold is a second chance at life for the woman who made it. Same Sky bracelets are hand crocheted by HIV-positive women artisans in Rwanda, all who have survived the genocide of 1994 and are working to overcome the traumatic after- effects of rape and unimaginable violence. An estimated one million people were killed during the 100-day Rwandan genocide and over 250,000 women were raped and as a result, became infected with HIV/AIDS.

Same Sky: Empowering Women through FashionSame Sky’s “women-helping-women” mission teaches the Rwandan artisans to be self-sufficient, giving them full-time employment, and the chance to become economically independent. Founder Francine LeFrank, a film producer and philanthropist, is passionate about providing these women a “hand-up instead of a hand-out.”

With all proceeds from each bracelet sold being reinvested, Same Sky is able to pay women artisans a much higher wage than they could ever earn as well as providing transportation to and from work and one meal a day.

“Our message is that women are in this together, owning our power, all living under the same sky,” explains LeFrak. “With the purchase of a bracelet, you become fashionable, socially mindful and part of the powerful circle connecting women everywhere.”

You can read the artisans personal stories on the Same Sky website. Each bracelet is signed by the woman who made that piece, adding that personal connection. You can also follow them on twitter @SameSkybracelet or become a fan on Facebook: Same Sky, a trade-not-aid initiative in Rwanda

WIN A BRACELET!! - Contest has ended. Congratulations to Karen!

Same Sky: Empowering women through fashionYou can shop from an array of beautiful colors at www.samesky.com but we have a gorgeous Delphinium-Blue (photo) bracelet for one lucky reader! Leave a comment below to be entered to win. Contest ends Sunday, February 28th at midnight (EST) when a winner will be chosen at random. One entry per email address.

 

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Comments

Submitted by Glennen (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 06:52

What an amazing project! The hope, beauty and inspiration behind these bracelets is incredible. The bracelets are gorgeous.
Submitted by holly westfall (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 07:13

What a beautiful bracelet, and not just physically either. The strength these women are showing is inspiring and awesome.
Submitted by Suzie Gorski (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 07:20

What an inspiring story and business..... And the bracelets are gorgeous!! These women have gone through a great deal.....and now they are working toward something wonderful. :)
Submitted by Caroline Riepler (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:17

These are beautiful bracelets and I just love this amazing project. It is something that we should support.
Submitted by Renee C. (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:28

The combination of the worthiness of the cause and the fact that it is an amazing product should be a WIN/WIN combination. Speaking of win, lol, would love to. :)
Submitted by LEHarper (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:30

A business model that does good is a great thing, and those are beautiful bracelets!
Submitted by Kathy Newbern (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:31

Definitely worthy of our support
Submitted by Manda (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:31

What an awesome thing!! The bracelets are amazing and the story behind them-- truly inspiring.
Submitted by Paula Kiger (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:31

Love products that support a cause while being beautiful! Count me in.
Submitted by C Decker (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:31

Inspiring!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:32

Finally “women-helping-women” mission is here
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:32

Beautiful and what a great project!
Submitted by Shannon Burgdorf (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:32

Gorgeous Bracelets! Hope to help those in need.
Submitted by Stacy Sorrentino (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:33

Even if I don't win I am happy to hear about this project and will look into purchasing. Makes a wonderful gift for someone. Thanks for helping make us all aware of this cause.
Submitted by JaimieE (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:33

Beautiful and such a great cause!
Submitted by Mama Zen (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:34

How beautiful!
Submitted by Stacy Sorrentino (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:35

Thanks for making us all aware of this worthy cause. A wonderful gift idea for someone special.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:35

WOW! What a great product and great cause--empowering women is always a great thing!!!
Submitted by Blue (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:35

Women work hard, very hard, and we need to support each other and appreciate each other more. Very beautiful work
Submitted by jesslb (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:35

Very beautiful and inspiring!!
Submitted by BethD (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:35

Such beauty out of a tragic environment.. and a worthy cause to support and empower these women. Thank you for promoting to us!
Submitted by ezrasmom (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:35

These are beautiful. With three daughters and myself we will have to flip to see who this would go to. A very cute bracelet and a very worthy cause. I love that. plp
Submitted by Kristinia Clos (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

I love this project and what beautiful craftmanship!
Submitted by Fawn (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

Thank you for promoting this project. I love jewelry that tells a story.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

Awesome bracelet and cause!!!
Submitted by Maureen Cioni (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

What a beautiful bracelet! I would love to have one and be able to tell everyone the story behind it.
Submitted by jesslyb (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

very inspiring and beautiful!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

Really Nice!!!!!!!
Submitted by Sandy Day (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:36

What a story to go along with a beautiful bracelet.
Submitted by Blanka's art (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:39

What a beautiful product. I do hope that the women will receive the financial support they work so hard for.
Submitted by CCO Metro (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:39

Wow, both beautiful and for a good cause!
Submitted by Alena (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:40

Love that color!
Submitted by Laura E. (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:40

How can you not want to support such a worthwhile project?! More power to these women!
Submitted by Kendra N. (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:41

These bracelets are absolutely beautiful and the story is awesome and inspiring.
Submitted by Ann Harrison (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:41

How incredible to have the opportunity to feel the strength and power of these inspiring women. Same Sky is such a fantastic idea and organization! Beautiful beads. Beautiful colors.
Submitted by susanc (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:41

very pretty and fun!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:41

So beautiful for a beautiful cause. I love it!
Submitted by Amy Riley (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:42

Amazing and beautiful and very inspiring!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:42

This is beautiful. Reminds me of the beach and I would love to win!
Submitted by CaPa (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:42

Beautiful jewelry made by beautiful women. I would be proud to wear this bracelet!
Submitted by Joya M. (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:46

WOW! What amazing and courageous women. I love the hope they bring to others!
Submitted by Elizabeth Palumbo (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:46

The beautiful bracelets symbolize so much! The human spirit can never be broken!
Submitted by Betsy (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:47

These bracelets, in their beauty and strength, remind me of the ones Superwoman wears -- may the power of the artists radiate through their magnificent art!
Submitted by missy (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:47

These are gorgeous and a beautiful reminder of how women can make a difference!
Submitted by michelle hoad (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:47

Beautiful bracelet. These women are inspirational and have survived so much. I feel petty for ever complaining about my priveledged life.
Submitted by JK (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:50

I am always happy to hear about these programs that empower women and people who had nothing/lost everything. Supporting organizations like these is important to me.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:51

Inspiring and beautiful! They have my support.
Submitted by Jane Carstea (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:55

These are gorgeous! The women that make these put their hearts into the work and it is so important that they receive the proceeds from the sales to support their village needs. Excellent promotion! Spread the word!
Submitted by Joelle Orrange (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:56

Women helping women is always a worthy cause in my book! Awe inspiring project.
Submitted by mommy2007 (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 09:58

Beautiful bracelet and amazing project. Would love to be able to wear this and tell the story behind it.

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