The year 1994 seems like a long time ago—but while the memories of baby doll dresses and “The Rachel” haircut have faded for most of us, the women of Rwanda are still being affected by the tragedy of that fateful year. Almost two decades after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, in which nearly one million people were killed in 100 days and women were subjected to terrible acts of violence with more than 250,000 raped and approximately 70% of the victims infected with HIV/AIDS, the aftermath is still apparent. 

The year 1994 seems like a long time ago—but while the memories of baby doll dresses and “The Rachel” haircut have faded for most of us, the women of Rwanda are still being affected by the tragedy of that fateful year. Almost two decades after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, in which nearly one million people were killed in 100 days and women were subjected to terrible acts of violence with more than 250,000 raped and approximately 70% of the victims infected with HIV/AIDS, the aftermath is still apparent. 

But despite the forces against them, Rwandan women have stepped up in the wake of such a massacre. Same Sky is an organization that's been a part of this process—promoting the idea that all women, no matter where they are from, look at the same stars, the same moon, and yes, the Same Sky. Their glass beaded jewelry, made by women artisans in Kigali Rwanda, has become a symbol of female empowerment. The organization, founded by Francine Le Frak in 2008, is a fair trade company that employs HIV+ women, all of whom are survivors of the 1994 Genocide, and teaches them to crochet beautiful jewelry. By purchasing one of their necklaces, you become a part of the powerful circle connecting women everywhere. 

We have the sea foam and purple haze necklaces in stock—both are crocheted on a complimentary colored, non-stretch 17.5 inch cord. They are made of Same Sky’s signature handblown glass beads and are adorned with smaller beads at the neck. The closure is magnetic, making it easy to wear and comfortable. 

Not only does Same Sky make beautiful jewelry and help these women become artisans with a marketable skill and consistent employment, but it also gives them a sense of community and a place where they can feel comfortable speaking openly about social issues such as domestic abuse, proper nutrition and living with HIV. “It’s so important that they have this open forum so they can speak their minds and get feedback from their peers,” says Same Sky Director of Sales and Business Development, Elizabeth Long. “The women are very supportive of each other. They’re like family. They work in a collective where they can relate to each other as HIV positive genocide survivors.  They sing and dance together.”

One such singer is Speciose, who became mute as a result of the post-traumatic stress she endured from the genocide. Same Sky has given her a place where she no longer feels alone and a forum in which she regained her confidence and voice. Another artisan is Solina, who was able to buy a plot of land where she has a garden from which she feeds her family, and is in the process of saving enough money to build her own house.

These are the stories of the women of Rwanda that we should remember two decades from now, and the Same Sky necklace is a memento of such successes.