Eden was started 20 years ago as a not-for-profit organisation in Asia, more specifically in Myanmar, where the founder started going out into the red-light district, vulnerable communities and trafficking hubs to offer rescue, support, a message of hope, love and freedom to the victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“It has evolved significantly over 20 years and what we look like now is our frontline operation in Myanmar, which has a population of 56 million people and half of them actually live below the poverty line,” says Michelle Kerr, country manager Australia and global sales & marketing manager.
“Once we have been able to meet with the girls and build trust, we turn our attention to supporting them through care, counselling and medical care. Everything that we do is about hope.
“But once we have been able to work with the girls, we are able to offer education and employment and that’s what you can see here with the jewellery,” Kerr says about the jewellery showcased at Reed Gift Fairs Sydney.
The jewellery collections have all been handmade and designed by women and girls that have come to Eden’s safe shelters or drop-in centres where they are taught new skills that they can build upon.
“It gives them a sense of self-worth and that then enables them to go out of the Eden environment into the world being able to generate an income that is not exploitation.
“We know that rescuing women and girls out of this environment needs to be sustainable. We know if we don’t give them education and skills then we’re not breaking the cycle and it becomes a short-term solution. That’s not what we’re about.
“Not only is making the jewellery in itself therapeutic, but it’s also teaching them new skills and it’s enabling them to earn an income and then it enables us here in Australia and other parts of the world to sell the jewellery and raise awareness and raise finances.”
Eden Australia is a registered not-for-profit organisation and the team are predominantly volunteers and everything they do is aimed at raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking and funds to facilitate the frontline work in Myanmar.
“So, all the profits go straight back to Myanmar into safe shelter rents, medical care and employing local staff members.”
This was Eden’s second time exhibiting, after launching at Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne last August, and Kerr says the feedback has been amazing.
“People love the product, they are very passionate about the story it carries. The jewellery sells itself quite easily and it makes for the perfect gift as the packaging tells the story. Not only does it make the buyer feel good about the purchase, but it’s also very easy for the receiver to understand how important that gift really is and the difference it is making.”
Eden jewellery is currently sold in nine countries around the world with the aim to expand further.
