GGP is happy to welcome 9 new partners, representing 5 new countries! GGP currently works with 45 Community-Based Organizations in 22 different countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. One of our new partners is the Maasai Women Development Organisation based in Tanzania. This organization focuses on economic empowerment, human rights, adult literacy, girl’s education, health services and health education in HIV/AIDS prevention. These services are of particular importance to the Maasai people whose semi-nomadic subsistence way of life has been threatened by large-scale agricultural and business developments. GGP’s new partnership with the Maasai Women Development Organisation provides a wealth of new opportunities for the Maasai women and girls, while providing GGP aficionados access to the vibrant, elaborate beadwork the Maasai people are famous for! In other news, finding your favorite high-quality handicrafts and empowering women just got easier—and sleeker! GGP recently re-launched its webpage with a sleeker more intuitive design, updated content on our partners and products and a re-designed shopping cart feature. Please take a moment to meet our new partners and check out the new look of Global Goods Partners: www.globalgoodspartners.org

Much to the joy of the GGP bloggers here at Fair Trade Local, the latest New York Times Magazine devoted itself entirely to the topic of global women's rights.  This issue--a must read for any and everyone--provides a convincing argument that the well-being of women around the world is the key to progress, national security, development and health.  Amen to that!  While every piece is certainly worth the read, the following are the "must-drop-everything-you're-doing-and-read-now" articles that will inform, edify and hopefully spur you to action: "Why Women's Rights are the Cause of Our Time" The perfect anecdote to to the nay-sayers out there who think women's rights is a "soft," "feminine" issue.  This Nick Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn cover piece will give you a good grounding on the issues and move you with powerful stories of real-life women.    Another perk?  The article highlights the transformative power of handicrafts in the lives of women around the globe.

 

[caption id="attachment_329" align="aligncenter" width="245" caption="New York Times Magazine: "The Women's Crusade""][/caption]     "Hillary Clinton's Latest Campaign" In this short article-interview, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shares her insight on women's rights work and makes clear that the empowerment and well-being of women and girls is a top priority of the new administration. [caption id="attachment_330" align="aligncenter" width="191" caption="The New York Times"][/caption]

 

"A School Bus for Shamsia" One journalist's enlightening reflection on his experience with the female victims of acid attacks in Afghanistan. [caption id="attachment_331" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The New York Times"][/caption]

 

To take action to support women's rights around the globe, support the work of Global Goods Partners by clicking here.  

CROSSING MIDNIGHT, a short documentary about the health crisis in Eastern Burma, will be featured as part of the International Documentary Association's DocuWeeks at New York City's IFC Center. The film highlights the incredible work of healthcare workers in Burma and along the Thailand-Burma border. With rarely seen footage from inside the jungles of Eastern Burma, it is a must see for human rights and Burma advocates as well as those wanting to learn more about the plight of people in Eastern Burma. These screenings are an opportunity for Crossing Midnight to be considered for an Academy Award nomination so come along!

Watch the trailer.

 

Join GGP tonight for "Cocktails for a Cause:" open bar, late summer soirée and fundraiser to support women-led poverty-relief around the globe.  It's going to be a fun night for a great cause--hope to see you there!

Cocktails for a Cause

7-9 pm

Smooch Organic Wine Bar and Cafe

264 Carlton Ave.

Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY

Purchase your tickets now for $25, or $30 at the door.

For directions, use www.HopStop.com

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="249" caption="Smooch Wine Bar! "][/caption]

 

A big thank you to everyone who attended our event last Thursday with Pakistani human rights activist Sameena Nazir.  We were happy to hear form her today that girls are now returning back to school in Pakistan's troubled Swat Valley region.  To learn more about the work of Ms. Nazir's organization PODA, click here.   [caption id="attachment_316" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A girl looks on during a class in a school in Mingora, capital of Swat Valley district, Pakistan, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. Scores of eager children headed back to school in northern Pakistan's battle-scarred Swat Valley on Saturday, many taking classes in buildings damaged during recent fighting between Taliban militants and security forces. – AP Photo. www.dawn.com"][/caption]