March 8 is International Women's Day, a designation celebrated by organizations including the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and by Bluffton's Ten Thousand Villages and Book Reviews shops.

Edna Ruth Byler started a global Fair Trade movement with a simple statement: “I’m just a woman trying to help other women.” She bought handmade goods for a fair price and sold them in the U.S. market, originally from the trunk of her car. The Bluffton store continues Edna's legacy and the work of Lois Kreider to bring the first Fair Trade gift and thrift store to the United States.

Today, 60% of the makers within the artisan partner groups of Ten Thousand Villages are women. The fair trade retailer notes, “Our average buying relationship with artisan groups is 20 years. That’s enough time [for women] to see their children grow into adulthood and to see the impact this maker-to-market movement has created."

Bluffton Ten Thousand Villages, 115 S. Main, is inviting shoppers to decorate a dress with the names of women they admire. Book Reviews, 123 S. Main, is highlighting books about, for and by women throughout the store, and will be giving each woman shopper a gift.

PHOTO: Mennonite Central Committe shop managers L-R Danielle Hodges / Book Reviews, Chrissy Lugibihl / Et Cetera Shop, Marcie Allen / Ten Thousand Villages