How Buying Fair Trade Jewelry Supports Women In Uganda
What is fair trade jewelry, and how is it helping women in Uganda? Fair trade jewelry is ethically sourced, artisan-made jewelry created under fair trade standards. Handmade using sustainable materials and ethical labor practices, it empowers women in Uganda through financial independence and community impact programs.
One example is Project Have Hope (PHH), a women-led initiative that is ending cycles of poverty and strengthening women of the Acholi Quarter through their handmade jewelry and economic opportunity.
When the founder of PHH, Karen Sparacio, visited the area as a photographer in 2006, she was struck by how friendly everyone was. Through their heartwrenching stories, she witnessed the pain of the women. Alongside that pain, she saw their beautiful handcrafted beads made from recycled paper. After bringing beads home with her and quickly selling them, she saw an opportunity to help these women long-term.
The group was founded with just 55 women who wanted to be identified as “bed ki gen”, meaning the group that has hope. Now, over 100 women in Uganda are impacted every day thanks to your purchase of their handmade jewelry. This year, the group celebrates 20 years of impact.
Each woman is paid a fair, living wage, but that is just the beginning. PHH provides access to education, scholarships for the women’s children, and serves more than 300 children breakfast daily. Women are where it begins, but through them, over 1,500 people experience the benefits of fair trade. One artisan for PHH, Labuka Santa, told them, “Thanks for taking us from nowhere to somewhere.”
Fair trade jewelry is about more than beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. It is about building a sustainable future for skilled artisans and lifting them out of poverty. Sometimes opportunity is obvious, and sometimes it looks like paper beads.
When asked about how far the group has come, Karen told us "I first traveled to Uganda over 20 years ago as a photographer. I never imagined that trip would grow into a community of women entrepreneurs, hundreds of sponsored children, and partnerships with retailers who believe business can do good. What we’ve built together over two decades is more than a brand, it’s proof that consistent, committed partnership changes lives."
Support women in Uganda and explore our jewelry from Project Have Hope. View our full collection of jewelry and support women artisans around the world.
Written by Marketing & Communications Manager Emma Sue Larramore
FAQs
Is fair trade jewelry more expensive?
Fair trade jewelry prices are competitively priced while paying fair wages. Like anything else, the price varies heavily by item depending on materials and size. The difference of fair trade is that the artisan receives a fair wage, and your purchase makes a difference in their life.
How do I know your jewelry is really fair trade?
As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we order from verified groups who meet the standards set by the FTF. We are transparent about where products come from so you can shop confidently.
Does Fair Trade Really Reduce Poverty?
Yes, through community involvement, skill building, and economic independence. Fair trade isn’t about short-term solutions; it focuses on helping build skills and foundations so they can end cycles of poverty and continue through future generations. Groups like Project Have Hope are living examples of the impact of fair trade.