Suryakala is 35 years old and has been making handbags for the last 3 years. She was 10 years when she contracted leprosy disease and was rejected by her community. In her remote village lepers are considered ‘impure’ so Suryakala along with her elder sister and younger brother were neglected and rejected by the family when they became leprosy patients.
She was cured in the Leprosy Hospital and was married to another former leprosy patient. Her husband died after 5 years of marriage, leaving her as the sole provider for their two daughters. She now works for the leprosy mission which finances the Hospital where she was healed. By making leather handbags, she earns an income to support her daughters and supports others who are afflicted with leprosy. She cuts leather pieces, glues them together and does some hand sewing. The leprosy mission also provides her with other benefits including medical treatment and education allowance.
“I became independent and I feel proud of myself that I am able to earn something for me and for my children. I don’t have to beg for survival. I have a beautiful place to live in and helpful work colleagues. I can save some money for future too.” The Jolica Collection includes a number of leather handbags from Nepal that Suryakala would be part of producing. Be sure to check out our handbag selection online.
Questions? Comments? Need to find a Gift Consultant in your area? Please either call 1.888.4.JOLICA (1.888.456-5422) or email sales@jolica.com.
FAIR TRADE FACT
The World Bank estimates that 2.7 billion people live on less than $2 a day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jolica’s new catalogue launched July 1. Contact your Jolica Gift Consultant to see a copy and book your party. Be among the first to share the new collection with family and friends.
