Part of our mission here at 100 Rural Women is figuring out how we can better support each other, not only in our own communities, but globally. What we have learned in our research is that it’s all about lifting up women and the amazing work they’re doing. We want to better inform and educate women.
Last year, we stepped into our goal of bringing 100 Rural Women international. In January, one of our staff members, Alexa, traveled to Thailand to collaborate with an amazing non-profit organization called Daughter’s Rising. Daughter’s Rising is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand and works courageously to the empowerment of young girls to pursue education and end cycles of poverty, exploitation, and trafficking. Their work centers around preventing human trafficking. Read their “why” .
And as an organization based on empowering women, encouraging education, building community, and getting more women into positions of leadership, our hearts are drawn to Daughters Rising. Their courageous work deserves to be uplifted. It demands to.
As Minnesotans, it’s imperative that we treat the issue of human trafficking with urgency. Minnesota is among the top three states in the U.S. serving as a trafficking hub. Human trafficking is a global issue. Though we are on opposite sides of the world and aren’t doing the same direct work, we felt so connected with their values and mission.
So we know the mission, what exactly do they do to fulfill it?
Daughter’s Rising supports young women in many ways. First are the scholarships. Primarily awarded to young at-risk women refugees from Myanmar as well as ethnic minority women from surrounding villages. The scholarships give these young women an opportunity to fund higher education. More about this program
Second, they have Children’s house. This is a place children can live safely, have stability, and access to school. They are treated with the compassion and loving kindness that every child deserves. More about this program
Third, they provide jobs at their partner social business, Chai Lai Orchid. Chai Laid Orchid is an ecolodge and elephant sanctuary where ethnic minority women can gain experience in hospitality, English language, technical skills, and much more.
Fourth, they have an onsite shop that sells handmade crafts and home goods made by local women. These women love to share their traditional artisan methods and culture this way. Hosting this shop brings financial security to local families and helps to prevent children from needing to contribute to bringing income for their families.
Lastly, they host local clinics and workshops in various topics. While Alexa (100 RW staff) was visiting, they were hosting a visual screening clinic for local people to have their vision tested and receive glasses onsite at no charge. More about this program
The relief they work for in various areas for local communities shines through. You can see more of their work here.
From AlexandrA
Daughters rising co-founder
“Hannah and I started it because we just saw a gap that needed to be filled…The person who needed help the most right now, there was no place that can serve her legally. So that’s where Daughters Rising comes in… I don’t think its like ‘so special’ it’s just doing the right thing and putting people before profits.”
From alexa
100 Rural Women staff
I feel so lucky to have been able to spend a week with these people. I was welcomed into a local Karen family’s home in the village nearby. I was graciously transported to different places around Chai Lai and fed at the café every day. I had lunches with women in the village and played with kids at the children’s house. My friends Malida and Win stuck by my side, showing me around, shared their lives and stories with me. They taught me about the conflicts facing women in their corner of the world. Local women welcomed me into their home for an afternoon to tell me about life in the village.
I learned so much and wish I could have stayed longer. I can’t wait to return. I am so grateful to you Daughters Rising and Chai Lai Orchid. My heart is warm.
Our mission is to lift up rural women EVERYWHERE. This collaboration fulfilled our dream of taking 100 Rural Women internationally. We hope this is just the beginning of spotlighting amazing women making a difference in rural communities worldwide.
Meet some of the daughters rising women
Alexandra pham
founder of daughters rising and chai lai orchid
Malida
daughters rising kids house staff
Win
daughters rising program director
Kham Hom
daughters rising staff annd scholarship recipient
