These past few weeks, we have stopped and paid attention to the voices from the black community. We gathered with thousands in unity to protest oppression and systemic racism.
It has challenged us to look within ourselves and within this organization to see what has to change. To become aware of how we have benefited from unjust and broken white systems. As a brand that stands for empowerment and justice, we are challenged to do better. This is our problem and we must to do better. We need to be a community that fosters anti-racism culture.
So here is where we are at:
We are actively taking classes utilizing resources made available. We recognize that it’s time to listen and educate ourselves even more. Currently taking an open lecture on African American History: From Emancipation to the Present and reading the book “Me and White Supremacy”.
Giving time off to join our community in Minneapolis in anti-racism work. This includes joining protests, community training on anti-racism, attending workshops, donating time and resources.
While our focus has been on empowering women, we recognize we need to do better in diversifying the US team. It was disappointing to review our structure. We are actively looking to partner and engage with more black leaders.
Our team:
Co-founders: One white male & One white female (also CEO).
Contractors: One white male.
Seasonal contractors: Four white females.
Product/Website Models: 60% white, 40% black and of those 60% women, 40% men.
Partners: 95% local in their communities in Cambodia and Nepal - at least over 70% female.
SHEMA means to hear and listen. We are listening, we are learning, and we hope you stay with us on this journey to grow together. We are always open to any suggestions that you might have to do better.