Disclosure: I received products from Coca-Cola’s 5by20 program; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Today is International Women’s Day and I thought this post would be a great example of how Coca-Cola’s 5by20 initiative helps to empower women entrepreneurs around the world. It’s difficult as women to succeed as an entrepreneur but if you face the obstacles that women in developing nations face it is a wonderful thing that companies like Coca-Cola are doing to help through programs like 5by20. What better way to help their businesses and income than by providing tools and training in return for the beautiful decor items and accessories they are able to create? I received quite a few pieces from the collection and was amazed at the quality and thoughtfulness that went into each piece.
The bracelet made from pull tabs off the Coca-Cola cans is brilliant! I wore it to work the other day and out to an event and you wouldn’t believe how many folks asked me where I got it or if I made it. Made in the Philippines this piece especially stood out to me because I just got to visit there this past year and meet some of my family and while I was there I experienced first hand how these women needed resources such as these to help support their families. I love that the bracelet is somewhat adjustable and fit my wrist perfectly, but because the thread is elasticized it would stretch to an even larger size if needed.
Fashionable bracelet made from locally sourced recycled aluminum ring-pulls, and elasticized thread. Made by Purple Community Fund (PCF) of Manila.
Now I want the tab earrings to match made by artisans such as Jocelyn from Manila.
I also received an adorable bag crocheted and featuring bottle-caps by Cop Madam in Turkey. It’s one of my favorite things I received from the line along with the very delicate bag featuring fish scales. Don’t worry, you would never have known if I didn’t tell you. It’s delicate and elegant.
Other than the rose my favorite piece was definitely this one…
Have you been online watching April, the giraffe, who has been in labor for what seems like forever? When I saw this upcycled giraffe handmade in Kenya from recycled aluminum Coca-Cola cans and bound by recycled telephone wire I immediately thought of her. I brought her into the office today and everyone fell in love with her immediately. My crafting friends immediately tried to disassemble her in their heads in hopes of going home to make her themselves, but quickly gave up when they realized how much work and detail was put into her creation. The women in Kenya are true artisans.
About 5by20
Launched in 2010 the 5by20 Initiative’s goal was to empower 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company’s value chain in ten years. In order to be successful, they were faced with addresses the most common barriers to ensure success such as sufficient training, financial services, and peer-to-peer mentoring. Research supports that when invested in the women’s education and success everyone benefits, from her family to her community. Currently, there are more than 60 countries benefiting from the 5by20 program and at the end of 2015 1.2 million women were impacted in total through the initiative.
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Shope for your favorite #5by20 merchandise here.
Great article. Three cheers for Coca Cola. Those bags would make awesome cruise bags.