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Rikki Cargo
Rikki Cargo

Originally from the Kelowna, Rikki Cargo graduated from the Okanagan University College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Multimedia at Vancouver Art Institute. She spent time in Vancouver, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Salt Lake City and Boston for international business with merchant banks and other various joint ventures before relocating to Vancouver Island in 2009.

Today Rikki is the CEO of Cargo Royale; an ecocouture fashion line that brings sustainability and benevolence to the luxury goods sector. www.CargoRoyale.com. Cargo Royale is currently in production and will be socially responsible, philanthropic fashion that enhances the lives of those we touch by helping them live better lives. Cargo Royale is interactive and progressive clothing that allows you to choose who you tithe by selecting from a list of credible charities when you make a purchase.

Rikki has an uncanny ability to network and prove herself with influential leaders and CEOs abroad as people find her to be genuine, frank and easy to trust. Her vision to think big and ability to chase her dreams will take her very far indeed. "See the world in your dreams, and then let your dreams awaken the world". When Rikki isn’t working on her fashion line, her passions lie in social media, quantum physics and jogging along the beach.

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Rikki Cargo
 

Empowerment: "Shop Face Africa" Sewing Project

Liberian_womens_sewing_project_6
Women have played a major role throughout the history of Liberia. They comprise 54 percent of the labor force in both the formal and informal sectors and constitute the majority of smallholder producers. It is estimated that they produce approximately 60% of agricultural products, carry out more than 80% of trading activities in the rural areas and are heavily engaged in the artisanal fishing industry, in addition to fulfilling daily household chores. Yet women remain among the most disadvantaged. They are disproportionately clustered in the least productive sectors, with 90% employed in the informal sector or agriculture. Their predominance in the informal economy translates into low productivity, meager earnings and exposure to exploitation. Illiteracy rates among women aged 15-49 are particularly high (60%) compared to men (30%). 42% of Liberian women and 18% of men have never attended school. Maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world, and is estimated at 994/100,000 births (DHS 2007). According to the 2007 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey, 48% of Liberian women become pregnant by the age of 18, and the unmet need for family planning is over 60%. In addition to food insecurity, women are also exposed to gender based violence, sexual exploitation and HIV/AIDS, especially among young girls. Vicious and systematic acts of sexual violence were perpetrated against a significant number of Liberian women throughout the years of conflict. Following the end of the conflict, rape and sexual violence remain an ongoing problem. 


The Sewing Project
At FACE Africa, we believe passionately that economic opportunities for women holds the promise for real change in Liberia; because when women have an income, they reinvest in themselves and in their children’s education, health and nutrition, building stronger families and communities over time.

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As part of our women empowerment initiative, we launched SHOP FACE Africa – a marketplace of unique, fashion forward, fair-trade/ eco-friendly pieces hand-made by women and communities in need. Many women try desperately to make a living selling their artisan-quality goods but find that they have little access to market opportunities. Through fair-trade practices, SHOP FACE Africa brings the work of these disadvantaged groups directly to you. Every product purchased helps in two ways: 1) Creates employment and provides sustainable income for artisans 2) invests in social programs like clean water, health and education

From colorful organic t-shirts or tote bags designed by Whitney Port and made entirely in Liberia, to eco-chic jewelry designed by Korto Momolu of Project Runway using organic wood, or luxury skin-care and spa products made with fair trade shea butter, you will be buying GOOD, fashionable products while also helping women help themselves.

Face Africa: http://www.faceafrica.org
Twitter: @FACEAfrica

As quoted from source article here.

Posted by Rikki Cargo

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