Half the Sky...

[queenofthenight]

(For those on my Facebook list, you will no doubt see many mentions of this book there as well... It is simply that this is one of the most important books I have read in the past 15 years and I must share it.) (NY Times Review of Half the Sky)

The title comes from a Chinese proverb that says "Women hold up half the sky." and explores how we can

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[alteregoliz]

Def want to hear more about this.

[rainastar]

I wanted to tell you something that I learned today: Whole Foods and Whole Foods employees give microloans to women in developing countries! These loans are paid back at very, very low interest rates, and the interest goes back into the "pool" for other women (Whole Foods makes $0 profit, except tax benefits, of course). These loans are for things like stoves to bake goods to sell at markets; bolts of fabric to make and sell clothing, etc. Employees can donate $1+ per paycheck to these loans.

Pretty amazing :)

-R.

[queenofthenight]

I love the entire microloan concept. Can customers contribute to the Whole foods microloan program? On Kiva, I sponsored a couple of women to help them with their businesses and the loan is repaid over 8 months or so. It's such an awesome concept and the authors of the book had some great stories of how this is changing lives! I'm delighted your employer is so innovative and supportive of this! *hugs*

[rainastar]

No, customers cant: but, by shopping there, it's a trickle-down process :)

-R.