Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets at Macy’s

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“

My family and I recently stayed at a local resort whose walls were decorated with beautiful, hand-woven African baskets. I was hoping to purchase one for my home, but was disappointed that none were for sale. So, I was thrilled just the other day when a gorgeous red and white basket from Macy’s Rwanda Path to Peace program arrived on my doorstep.

Baskets like mine are sold in stores and online through Macy’s Rwanda Path to Peace program. Macy’s sale of these baskets helps Rwandan women, who weave these baskets,  to support their families. I love that my basket was handwoven by a Rwandan woman and that the sale of baskets like mine can help families overseas.

From War to Hope

In 1994, in the tiny African nation of Rwanda, about a million people, or 20% of the nation’s population, were killed when tribal warfare between the Hutus and Tutsis escalated into ethnic slaughter. 

Fathers, sons and husbands were murdered. Since the slaughter, Rwandan women have been able to support themselves and come together against ethnic divides to create these beautiful and hopeful baskets. Macy’s Rwanda Path to peace program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a “trade not aid” program aimed at helping the women and people of Rwanda put their lives back together. The Rwandan weavers in this program earn about 10 times the average Rwandan wage.

Handmade Baskets

I love that these baskets are handcrafted and that they represent a proud Rwandan culture — baskets like these have been woven in Rwanda for centuries.

The baskets are woven from sisal and grass — they are amazingly sturdy. (To see how the baskets are made, watch the video below.) If you would like to purchase your own basket and support the Path to Peace initiative, you can buy one of your own at Macy’s. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this wonderful program, Macy’s is celebrating with a special commemorative basket, woven to represent 10 years of peace and prosperity. I will be receiving one of these commemorative baskets in a few weeks. I can’t wait to see it! I think the artistry in these Rwandan baskets is just beautiful!