Songa Designs International
Introduces Accessories Handcrafted by Women in Rwanda
San Diego-based company Songa DesignsInternational, an accessories line made by under-resourced women in
Rwanda in East Africa to create economic independence have announced the launch
of its collection. Founded by Sarah Sternberg, the handmade necklaces,
bracelets, earrings, belts and other specialty accessories, are entirely
constructed and produced in Rwanda using local, natural materials.
³We believe in
supporting all women and our accessories are the link between supporting a
cause, yet also expressing your own style and personality," said Sarah
Sternberg, founder of Songa Designs International. Our ultimate goal at Songa
is to highlight the powerful stories of Rwandan women in an effort to support their
journey toward financial liberation."
Songa, meaning ‘the path
forward’ in Swahili, is synonymous with the company's mission. Crafted with
fair trade principles in mind, Songa Designs International provides women in
Rwanda with the opportunity to make their own income using special skills they
acquired from a young age, moving them forward on their road to financial
independence.
From the colorful Lindona
Necklance ($48) to the minimalistic, hand-woven clutch, each of Songa's
designs pay homage to traditional African culture while maintaining a sense of
American fashion trends.
All of Songa's artisanal goods are environmentally
friendly, and created with all-natural, locally sourced materials including
banana leaf fiber, sisal plant, pewter metal, recycled local fabric and paper
beads, re-purposed cow horn and seed beads.
The collection of jewelry
and accessories is priced between $16 and $98 MSRP, and is available online at
www.songadesigns.com.
Songa Designs International
celebrates the empowerment of women around the world. It is typical for many
women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial
needs, but Songa is changing this dynamic. With Songa, under-resourced women
have the opportunity to achieve economic independence by using skills acquired
through everyday life to make a living.
Trained by generations of
local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans of Songa in the country of
Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high quality accessories inspired by
nature.
Each handmade piece, made of natural materials such as banana leaf
fiber, sisal plant, pewter, re-purposed cow horn, paper beads and more, is as
unique as the artisan who created it.
Defined as ³the path
forward² in Swahili, Songa is synonymous with the journey towards economic
empowerment for women in developing countries.
For more information on
Songa Designs International, visit
www.songadesigns.com. Follow on Facebook
@SongaDesignsInternational, Twitter @SongaDesigns, and on Instagram
@SongaDesigns.
