I came across Punjammies on Pinterest originally and was struck by how cute the PJs were and how great the message behind the brand is! Punjammies are made by women in India who have escaped sex slavery and now have a fresh start with a job that pays them a living wage.
India has some of the highest estimates of slavery and sex-trafficking anywhere in the world and the founder, Shannon Keith, was inspired after taking a trip to India in 2005 and witnessed India’s Red Light Districts.
Shannon returned home and gathered friends to help do something about it. The team knew that without safe, steady employment, these women stood little chance of surviving outside of the brothels. They identified a group of like-minded partners in India who were compelled to work together with any women looking for a way out of the Red Light Districts. Together, the team created a simple pattern that could be used to teach anyone wanting to learn how to sew.
In 2006, Sudara hired the first 6 employees in their first-ever sewing center partnership and began teaching each woman the skills needed to become seamstresses and our first pair of PUNJAMMIES™ loungewear was produced. Stitch by stitch, the women gained confidence not only in their newfound trade, but also in their newfound hope and freedom.
By purchasing Punjammies you create more jobs for more women. By investing in women you also invest in her family and her community since on average women invest 90 percent of their income back into their family. This includes putting healthy food on the table, paying for their children to go school, or buying healthcare. Not to mention, empowering a woman with safe, nearby employment makes her less vulnerable to abuse, human trafficking, etc.
The designs are super cute and I love knowing good is coming from my purchases.