Macy's latest shopping experience combines charity, history, culture and exquisite art. The Macy's Path to Peace project, which was created last year by Willa Shalit, an American activist and entrepreneur, is Macy's nationwide effort to create an export business for Rwanda in order to help the country reach economic stability. The Path to Peace is a joint venture between Macy's and Rwanda to develop an American market for crafts created by thousand of Rwanda's women who survived genocide.

The Rwandan genocide left behind hundred of thousands of widows, young girls and orphans, many whom were infected by AIDS. After this traumatic genocide, many of these widows were marginalized in their society. This unique business opportunity not only provides financial stability for Rwandan women and their families, it helps them to gain respect in their community, empowering them for the future.

The women of Rwanda involved in this partnership will receive one-third of the retail price of the baskets, which is unprecedented income for Rwandan individuals. In hopes of generating millions of dollars, the Path to Peace project will benefit the 8 million Rwandan citizens by providing education, HIV/AIDS treatment, medical care, anti-violence programs and housing.

Available this September at Macy's on State Street as well as other select Macy's stores and macys.com offer beautiful handmade Rwandan peace baskets. These baskets not only explore the ancient art of handmade peace baskets, they depict the wealth of creativity and culture of Rwanda and its women. The baskets will range in price from $30-90 dollars and are available in many different sizes, shapes and colors.

Path to Peace is featured on the 1st floor of Macy's on State Street at Randolph/Wabash .