It’s funny how a short 140 character message can make your day. But that’s exactly what The Open Arms Shop did when they contacted me on Twitter this morning.
I first learned about their impressive work a few weeks ago when we agreed to exchange blogs. This innovative social enterprise is a sustainable for-profit company working to achieve a social purpose through the materials they use, the products they sell and the impact they have.
They are not only concerned about refugee women but are doing something to ensure women resettling Austin, Texas are not forced into poverty – and can flourish, contribute and engage with their community.
A better business with a big difference
The Open Arms Shop is a fantastic concept – creating one-of-a-kind sustainable skirts, scarfs and t-shirts from 100 per cent recycled t-shirts. It employs refugee women who have been forced to flee persecution in war-torn countries like the Sudan, the Congo and Bhutan.
They do business differently. In fact, they do it better by paying a ‘living wage’ in a family-friendly work environment. It’s not just a job – it’s about creating self-sufficiency and dignity for the women they employ.
Raising refugee women’s voices
Our autumn conference focused on refugee women; it was a sold out gathering and one of the most inspiring and thought-provoking events we’ve held.
These types of events and our continued work with groups like the Refugee Women’s Strategy Group, help to ensure refugee women in Scotland are heard and can connect with decision makers on key policy issues that impact their lives in Scotland.
Unique and challenging barriers
The experiences of refugee women is different from men. They face greater barriers to escape because of child care responsibilities and systemic inequalities in the often patriarchal societies they flee.
Many (up to 70 per cent in Scotland) are survivors of physical or sexual violence often carried out by ‘non-state actors’ – this makes qualifying for international protection even more difficult. Due to the nature of gender-based persecution and the stigma attached to it, many women will also face isolation from their communities and families.
Working together for change
Sadly, even if they overcome all these additional barriers and are granted asylum, many women will face difficulties getting into work (829Kb, PDF). So organisation like Open Arms gives us hope that refugee women’s experiences, needs and aspirations are not only heard but acted on.
It’s encouraging to know other organisations out there are as dedicated to empowering refugee women and helping them rebuild their lives.
