Innovation & Technology

Coca-Cola and Artisan Gifts: Giving the Gift of Empowerment

Nov 24, 2014 1:00 PM ET
Artisian Christmas Angel

Artisan Gifts: Giving the Gift of Empowerment

The Coca-Cola Company recognizes that while women perform 66 percent of the world’s work, they only earn 10 percent of the world’s income. In 2010, the Company launched 5by20, its commitment to empowering five million female entrepreneurs in its value chain by 2020. Supporting women artisans is a key pillar of this initiative. To date, there are 5by20 artisan programs in 13 countries. 

With the holiday shopping season gearing up, people are looking for unique gifts with a special, personal, handmade touch that can’t be found at the mall. Not only are there wonderful, one-of-a-kind gifts to be found, but many can benefit people in need – especially women in the developing world.

Recycled cans and bottles, as well as other recycled materials, can be made into new products by the skilled hands of women in the developing world. UPAVIM is a women’s cooperative comprised of about 80 women in Guatemala that features and sells items just like this.

According to UPAVIM, all of the women in this organization are “mothers and homemakers, some widows, and some abandoned,” and many of them “are the sole providers of economic support for their families.” Purchases directly benefit community educational and medical programs, which are overseen by the women in the cooperative.

Giving the perfect holiday gift can be extremely gratifying. But items like those offered by UPAVIM not only make fantastic gifts for the people on your list; they also give the gifts of economic empowerment and hope to women artisans around the world. 

UPAVIM offers a wide range of Fair Trade gifts suitable for all ages. Read more about these programs and shop UPAVIM gifts at: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/5by20/artisan-gifts-giving-the-gift-of-empowerment

 

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The Coca-Cola Company