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THE LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
FAIR TRADE HANDCRAFT PROJECT

Through the LWR Handcraft Project, you can enjoy beautiful Fair Trade handcrafts and improve the lives of artisans around the world at the same time.

Poverty and unemployment

More than one billion people live on less than $1 a day; another 2.7 billion struggle on less than $2 a day. And income inequality is increasing around the world. Globally, nearly 200 million people are unemployed, while millions more are underemployed and don't have enough work or income to support their families.

More than ever, women are entering the labor force, often as the head of household and sole income earner. They are less likely than men to find normal employment and are often paid less for comparable work—in fact, the majority of the world's working poor are women.

When employment is scarce or wages are too low, children suffer the most. They may have to work long hours in fields or factories to help support the family rather than attend school. Families without reliable income can't provide sufficient and nutritious food or access basic health care, both of which negatively affect their children's health and development.

Hands craft a future. Next>

Questions? Email fairtrade@lwr.org to learn more.

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