When it comes time for market days, the women put the finishing touches on their necklaces and prepare for a visit from the local P2P staff. Each co-operative gathers on a designated day with their completed products and the printed order that was distributed at the beginning of the month.
Our group of child mothers is particularly enthusiastic; they are always sitting joyfully under a large mango tree with their necklaces displayed when we arrive. When they see us arrive we are greeted with shouts of welcome ‘Apwoyoba!’. We first greet all the women individually, as is custom in Uganda, before settling down on bamboo mats to look through their proudly displayed necklaces. Comparing the products to the order from the United States, we go through the necklaces one by one identifying mistakes that can be corrected on the spot and documenting each necklace that is to be purchased. Each beader is considered a separate ‘seller’, is paid independently and signs off on the purchase. During the last set of market days several of the women in this group were so amazed at their success that they cheered and sang when they added their signature to our books.
One of the women in our Women of Ester co-operative was so excited with the amount she earned that she exclaimed ‘I am going to eat CHICKEN tonight!’ Due to the conflict over the past two decades, there is a lack of livestock in the North and chicken has become a prized meal. Her family was able to eat like kings, with enough to spare for school fees and some medication.
As we gear up for another set of market days, the women assure me at every meeting that P2P will be so pleased with their products. I see them swelling with pride as their work continues to improve and gain attention from the international community.
Meghan Ryan
P2P Project Supervisor
Gulu, Uganda
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