Beyond Bathrooms Fair Trade Bash

BEYOND BATHROOMS FAIR TRADE BASH!
Trans Women Unite With Women Around the Globe

Santa Cruz, CA - Rising International, Queen Hair Salon, and The Diversity Center ofSanta Cruz County’s Trans Support Group have joined together to take action for women and girls’ economic justice. This special evening event will showcase Rising International’s Popup Global Marketplace; a traveling Fair Trade boutique featuring jewelry, handbags, and home décor handcrafted exclusively by women entrepreneurs from over 20 impoverished countries. These artisan/entrepreneurs are survivors of extreme poverty, war, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.

Rising International empowers women living in high risk environments. In a world where women can be stoned to death for accused adultery, thrown in jail for being raped, or
shot in the head for going to school, Rising’s Economic Empowerment Program is advancing their chances to claim their dignity, and prosper through micro-enterprise.

On May 9th of this year, just two days before the organization’s 14th anniversary, Rising International’s founder, Carmel Jud, was contacted about Azita, a 15 year old Afghan girl who has been targeted for the child bride black market. The mothers in Rising’s program have reported that they have more power to keep their daughter’s safe. Funds raised at this Beyond Bathrooms Event will enable Rising International to purchase dolls made by Azita’s mother, and increase Azita’s chances to escape this injustice.

Admission to the event is free. William Jones, the owner of Queen Salon will be offering free hair blowouts and eyelash
extensions.