Rwanda Baskets Help Change Lives

After the widespread 1994 genocide in the East African country of Rwanda, 70% of the remaining population was composed of women. Almost two decades after the war, more than one third of Rwanda's households are run by women. Because the traditional role of women had always been to perform domestic chores while the men worked for cash to support their families, many of them were at a loss for ideas on how to survive. In addition to their lack of work experience, many women had been attacked and raped during the war and suffered from HIV or AIDS, which made it difficult to perform daily tasks, and they were isolated from those around them because of their condition. Women in Rwanda still suffer from HIV and AIDS today, and the mortality rate for those giving birth is among the highest in the world because of their poor health.

In the absence of their husbands, the women were forced to become creative in ways to make the money needed to support their families. Weaving Rwanda baskets has always been a time-honored craft, but suddenly it seemed like an opportune way to put food on the table. The baskets had traditionally been used solely for decoration and as wedding gifts, but some women took the initiative to produce them for sale in local markets. Eventually the idea caught on, and the beautiful woven Rwanda baskets with intricate designs and bold colors were being exported for sale in the United States, selling for much more profit than they would have previously earned.

Currently there are more than 1,500 Rwandan women weaving baskets. They receive one third of the money the baskets are sold for, which is a dramatic change from the conditions they had always been accustomed to. They take great pride in their work because performing tasks using highly developed skills gives them a larger sense of accomplishment than if they relied only on foreign aid received after the war. Spending the money responsibly, they allocate a certain amount into savings and use the rest for food, clothing, health insurance, and education.

Earning their own money from their particular skills continues to greatly improve the lives of Rwandan women. Those whose husbands survived have reported that domestic violence has diminished because they are treated with more respect for the income they bring into the household. The women who had all but given up are now beginning to see the bright side. The money earned from weaving baskets allows them to maintain a healthy diet, which makes it easier for those afflicted with HIV or AIDS to take their medications and become strong again. They also feel like they are a part of something important, which reduces their sense of isolation from friends and neighbors.

It will take a long time for Rwanda to recover from the terrible war that took place, but selling Rwanda baskets made by the women is a message of peace and gives the entire country a fresh hope. Ugandan Merchandise sells a wide array of beautiful Rwanda baskets that directly benefit the women who make them.

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