Meet Daphne at 31 Bits

Daphne is not a person, a place but a thing. And the thing Daphne represents is a bracelet, a style of bracelet. But it’s no ordinary bracelet. It’s special in a way that will make you feel good inside if you purchase one or some. I purchased several tonight in several different colors and yes, this purchase made me feel good inside.

I learned about 31 Bits over the weekend through a note Shauna Niequist posted on Facebook. I also learned that every purchase we make helps. It makes a difference.

31 Bits is a business based out of Orange County, California using fashion and design to empower women in Northern Uganda to rise above poverty. Empowering women is a topic that speaks to my soul. I'm all in when it comes to that. 

These lovely women at 31 Bits believe that business is one of the most powerful and sustainable approaches to turning scarcity into abundance, and eventually, alleviating poverty completely. And it all started with Kallie who is quite the visionary. 

Kallie Dovel traveled to Uganda in the summer of 2007, getting a first- hand look at life in Northern Uganda. While she was there, she met women making paper beads but who lacked a plan to market and sell them. After spending time in their homes and hearing their stories, Kallie knew there had to be a way to give opportunities to her new friends. She brought a box of jewelry back to the U.S., and spent the next year finishing her degree and dreaming up the concept of a development organization. She brought a few friends on board and her ideas quickly evolved into 31 Bits. The girls traveled back to Uganda in August 2008, and selected six women to begin buying jewelry from on a monthly basis. Since then, they have grown to 108 women in Gulu, Uganda; each with a unique story of suffering that has been overcome with joy and liberation.

To learn more about the programs they offer these women in Uganda, click here. 

To learn more about the teams in Uganda and the U.S., click on the word: Team.

To shop, click on this link. 

Please consider supporting these women in their mission. The women at 31 bits believe that true economic sustainability is a result of holistic care enabling a person financially, spiritually, mentally and physically. Their mission gives women an opportunity to enter into a program and after 4 years in the program a woman has an education, a career, confidence and a voice. She is empowered to rise above poverty. 

It made my heart feel big and full tonight knowing that I've played a small part in contributing to the joy, empowerment and liberation of these women in Northern Uganda. And I hope it does the same for you as well. Business is a powerful force bringing change in the lives of these women. Together, we can truly make a difference. Please consider joining the movement by creating change through your purchase. 

Until next time, 

xx, Ruthie 

... Oh! And before I forget, watch this video below to learn more. Together we can give and restore hope in the lives of these women.