International: Women refugees share their stories, art

National Council of Jewish Women invites members and prospective members to a presentation on Empowering Women Refugees, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., at Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S. Rice Ave.

Houston is a leading destination for refugee women escaping political or religious persecution. Once they arrive, they are in desperate need of community, language skills and an economic means to transition their lives. The Community Cloth assists artisans from Bhutan, Iraq and Burma with seed grants, training and peer support to expand their marketing opportunities.

The Community Cloth co-founder, Quynh-Anh T. McMahan, will give an introduction to the plight of women refugees and will discuss the micro-enterprise that helps refugee women earn supplemental income and learn new skills. Women artisans will share their stories and their beautiful handiwork. Proceeds from the purchase of arts and crafts will go directly to the artisans to help supplement their support, as they establish new lives in Houston. RSVP tocareerbranch@yahoo.com by Sept. 18. For more information about NCJW, visit ncjwhouston.org or call 713-667-5694.