SAVE THE DATE: 2011 Fabric of Freedom Gala
Posted on Jun 09, 2011 | LEAVE A COMMENT
We could give you a few reasons why you should attend the 2011 Fabric of Freedom Gala, which would probably reference your big heart, commitment to the fight for freedom, and desire to meet others who are captivated by the same cause. Instead, we'll talk more about why you'll want to attend the IPP 2011 Fabric of Freedom Gala. There's no better place (in our humble opinions) to flex your philanthropic muscles while having a whole lot of fun. Last year, we had Bollywood dancers, henna artists, beautiful auction items donated by local businesses, the newest collection of PUNJAMMIES for sale, and opportunities to meet our Indian partners all in one beautiful, delicious evening.
Here are a few photos, taken by Ron Levy Photography:
Best of all, our generous guests donated enough funds to purchase a van for the ladies at our newest sewing center:
This year promises to be even better. Get your tickets ASAP -- we sold out last year, so get 'em while the gettin' is good.
PUNJAMMIES™ Giveaway! (Updated)
Posted on Jun 07, 2011 | 45 COMMENTS
IMPORTANT UPDATE: We're so sorry the comments weren't working on the last giveaway post. While the office staff is incredibly capable of rallying volunteers, navigating Indian train systems, problem-solving seemingly insurmountable issues using only found objects, and building IKEA furniture, we are not extremely tech savvy. Thanks to our friend Jacob Roebuck for helping us out. The comments should work on this version. Please let your friends know. We have extended the deadline until Friday, June 10 at midnight. Thanks so much for your patience, Team.
We're thrilled about the new PUNJAMMIE™ styles flooding into the office and need your voice to spread the word about the restoration and perseverance women rescued from forced prostitution in India, who are creating these high-quality, comfortable, beautiful PUNJAMMIES™. Our newest collection features the traditional Indian art of block printing -- with organic dye.
Please spread the word! As a thank you, we'd like to enter your name into a drawing for ONE pair of PUNJAMMIES™ in one of our four NEW styles:
Yesu PUNJAMMIES™
Prasad PUNJAMMIES™
Appla PUNJAMMIES™
Satha PUNJAMMIES™
PUNJAMMIES™ in this collection are available in both capri-length and full-length, in sizes X-Small through X-Large. You get to choose what style, length and size you want. For more info on these products, visit our online store at http://www.punjammies.com.
To enter the giveaway, do one of the following:
a) Like this post and leave a comment with your email address, saying that you liked the post
b) Tweet about this giveaway and leave a URL in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL in a comment on this post
d) Link this giveaway to your Facebook and leave the URL to your Facebook in a comment on this post
The winner will be selected via a random drawing and will be notified via email (so leave your email in your comment). The giveaway opens today, June 2, and closes at midnight on Friday, June 10.
PUNJAMMIES™ Giveaway!
Posted on Jun 02, 2011 | LEAVE A COMMENT
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Hi IPP Team, I've just been informed that the comments are not working on the blog right now, and it may take us a couple days to get to the bottom of the issue. I'll let you all know when we're up and running again. In the meantime, thanks for your patience, and for spreading the word about the giveaway. We'll probably extend the giveaway a few more days since we're having technological difficulties. Isn't technology great when it works? Love to you all.
We're thrilled about the new PUNJAMMIE™ styles flooding into the office and need your voice to spread the word about the restoration and perseverance women rescued from forced prostitution in India, who are creating these high-quality, comfortable, beautiful PUNJAMMIES™. Our newest collection features the traditional Indian art of block printing -- with organic dye.
Please spread the word! As a thank you, we'd like to enter your name into a drawing for ONE pair of PUNJAMMIES™ in one of our four NEW styles:
Yesu PUNJAMMIES™
Prasad PUNJAMMIES™
Appla PUNJAMMIES™
Satha PUNJAMMIES™
PUNJAMMIES™ in this collection are available in both capri-length and full-length, in sizes X-Small through X-Large. You get to choose what style, length and size you want. For more info on these products, visit our online store at http://www.punjammies.com.
To enter the giveaway, do one of the following:
a) Like this post and leave a comment with your email address, saying that you liked the post
b) Tweet about this giveaway and leave a URL in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL in a comment on this post
d) Link this giveaway to your Facebook and leave the URL to your Facebook in a comment on this post
The winner will be selected via a random drawing and will be notified via email (so leave your email in your comment). The giveaway opens today, June 2, and closes at midnight on Monday, June 6 at noon.
Raiding a Brothel in India
Posted on May 27, 2011 | LEAVE A COMMENT
A New York Times columnist writes about his life-changing experience being part of an International Justice Mission brothel raid in Kolkata.
He writes, "I set off with the I.J.M. investigator (who wants to remain anonymous for his own safety) into the alleys of the Sonagachi red-light district one evening, slipped into the brothel, and climbed to the third floor. And there were Chutki and three other girls in a room, a pimp hovering over them. Perceiving us as potential customers, he offered them to us. We demurred but said we’d be back."
Though the rescuers only intended to take one girl, they ended up helping five young ladies -- two under the age of 10. Read the full article here.
India’s Unwanted Girls
Posted on May 24, 2011 | LEAVE A COMMENT
This week the BBC published "India's Unwanted Girls," an article spotlighting India's struggle to end the abortion of female fetuses. "In 1961, for every 1,000 boys under the age of seven, there were 976 girls. Today the figure has dropped to a dismal 914 girls," the article states. "Although the number of women overall is improving (due to factors such as life expectancy), India's ratio of young girls to boys is one of the worst in the world after China."
The article tells the story of Kulwant, a mother who was forced by her in-laws to abort three female children -- one five months old. "They were angry. They didn't want girls in the family. They wanted boys so they could get fat dowries," she says.
Outlawing dowries and early ultrasounds have not improved the situation. Many call for strong education on the role of women and their rights in Indian society, as well as education and economic independence for women as the only means to eradicate this growing, alarming problem.
Read the full article here.
Mother’s and Others Event
Posted on May 04, 2011 | LEAVE A COMMENT
The IPP team in Northwest Arkansas partnered with Heartlife, the women’s ministry at First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs, last night to present “Mothers and Others: Beauty in All Things.”
IPP volunteers put on a PUNJAMMIE style show for the ladies, and Laura shared some real life stories about the women she met in India. IPP sold a number of PUNJAMMIES before and after the event. It was a lovely night of sharing and delighting in the beauty that can come from ashes.
Thank you to Heartlife and all of our IPP volunteers who made this event possible!
Monday News: Apne Aap gains write-up
Posted on May 02, 2011 | 15 COMMENTS
Daily India did a recent write up about Apne Aap Women Worldwide Trust, an anti-trafficking organization located in New Delhi. Apne Aap focuses on training women and children rescued from prostitution through self-help methods. They also advocate for social change through the legal system.
It is exciting to the success of other organizations!
Go here for the full article.
IPP had it’s own success this weekend! IPP was chosen by an OC based women's philanthropy group, Impact Giving, as the recipient of a $30,000 grant for growing IPP sewing centers in India. This is the largest grant Impact Giving has ever awarded and is a tremendous honor for IPP. Pictured below are incoming IPP Executive Director, Julie Wood, Board Chairman Bruce Bartolomeo and a very excited board Vice-Chair, Heather Motichko accepting the award.
Monday News: Sex traffickers arrested at Oceanside, California
Posted on Apr 25, 2011 | 16 COMMENTS
Last week, after an 18-month-long investigation, 38 traffickers were arrested in Oceanside, California. The gang members were recruiting women through social network sites such as Facebook and MySpace. It was reported that over 30 women were found being held against their will, forced with physical violence into prostitution.
See the full report here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Oceanside-Crips-Indicted-for-Prostitution-Ring-120141174.html?dr
