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  In Kenya's remote Samburu region stands Umoja village—an amazing testament to the strength, resourcefulness and indomitable spirit of women. Founded more than a decade ago by Rebecca Lolosoli, a local woman who had the courage to imagine what few thought possible, Umoja—meaning "unity" in Swahili—is a haven for 50 women who have survived rape, starvation, forced marriage and HIV/AIDS. Proudly independent, the women have built their own homes, set up a pre-school and formed a unique community of trust, protection and respect. The women support themselves and the village by making beaded jewelry for occasional tourists, but there is still a long way to go. The women walk miles to a muddy, disease-and crocodile-infested river for their drinking water—putting a desperately needed clean-water system at the very top of a growing "To-Do" list. That's where The O Bracelet comes in. The undeniable strength and unbreakable spirit of the women of Umoja make them, and their village, the perfect choice to create the next collection of The O Bracelet. So with a generous grant from the Kind World Foundation, support from Madre—an international women's human rights organization—and a striking new bracelet design, Fair Winds Trading supplied the women of Umoja with the materials, tools and training to create these unique works of art. Unfortunately, as flawed presidential elections plunged the country into ethnic fighting and tribal violence, working in the village became more challenging. But the inspiration of Umoja has spread, and the women of Rwanda—who produced the second O Bracelet collection—went to work as well, happy to support their Kenyan sisters now facing ethnic violence themselves. In a time when the word "inspirational" can be overused, the women of Umoja truly inspire, quietly working together to make real, sustainable change from within. What's more inspirational than that? You can read more about the amazing women of Umoja in the May 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. |
 Eye-catching and truly unique, the new O Bracelet collection is a celebration of the essential ideals of Umoja village. Tubes of an exclusive woven mesh—signifying the amazing web of women coming together in strength and unity—are joined together with sterling silver orbs. Inside the mesh, different colors of Swarovski crystals tumble and mix, catching light in unexpected ways and expressing a brightness of spirit that refuses to be dimmed. Ten percent of the purchase price of each bracelet is donated to the Umoja Water Project, supported by the Kind World Foundation and Madre. By wearing an O Bracelet you become part of the powerful circle connecting women everywhere, honoring the strength and courage of the women of Umoja. Because each bracelet is made by hand, initial quantities are limited. In some cases, the women will be creating the bracelets on an order-by-order basis, and this individualized attention to detail will result in longer shipping times. We appreciate you patience and continued support.   |
