Quando gioiello significa aiutare e sostenere: Senhoa – Employ, empower, emancipate

Senhoa_1

I discovered this project thanks to Jessica Jeang, one of my students of “Fashion and Managing Luxury Companies” at IES Abroad Milan. She works at Senhoa as a volunteer as the whole project exists thanks to all these people that trust and believe in what they do to help those who are suffering. The name “Senhoa” was created in 2007 for a jewelry-making program designed to support vulnerable persons and survivors of human trafficking in Cambodia. Senhoa (pronounced “suh-no-a”) is a combination of two Vietnamese words – “Sen” (lotus) and “Hoa” (flower). A lotus flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with breathtaking beauty, untouched by its impure surroundings. Using this imagery, “Senhoa” was conceptualized to represent women and children vulnerable to sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

In January 2010, Senhoa Foundation became its own independent 501(c)(3) non- profit organization, based in California, USA. In March 2011, Senhoa, LLC was incorporated to produce and sell handcrafted jewelry made by vulnerable persons and survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. The goal of Senhoa jewelry is to create opportunities for survivors to earn an income, share their stories and raise awareness against modern slavery.

 

Senhoa_2

In 2011, Senhoa collaborated with Supermodel Coco Rocha to create a capsule collection called “Coco Rocha for Senhoa,” which resulted in an explosion of press for the organization and its jewelry line. In 2012, Senhoa’s founder was awarded one of the Inspiration Awards for Women. In December 2013, Senhoa jewelry received the SOURCE Award by Ethical Fashion Forum, a global award for sustainable and ethical fashion.

Each Senhoa jewelry piece is individually handcrafted by a survivor of human trafficking or a young woman vulnerable to exploitation. Artisans are paid a fair wage and benefit from a comprehensive life skills curriculum. The project is also endorsed by Swarovski Elements. Senhoa’s passion is to create opportunities for survivors to earn an income, share their stories, and raise awareness against modern slavery. Proceeds from the sale of Senhoa jewelry go directly to the rehabilitation and education of young women sold into slavery in Southeast Asia.

Senhoa_3

 

Senhoa_4

 

Senhoa_5 Senhoa_6