Colorful Ugandan bags take off in Japan, lifting women who make them

Colorful African-print bags handmade by struggling Ugandan women have attracted fashion-conscious Japanese who are also learning for the first time about the women's plight -- thanks to a scheme by a Japanese social entrepreneur to empower single mothers and former child soldiers in the country.Bags made from batik fabric commonly seen in Africa feature vivid colors and dynamic designs with such motifs as geometric patterns, fish and birds. Since sales started in 2015, they have flown off shelves at Japan's upscale department stores and also online, welcomed by consumers looking for unique …READ FULL ARTICLE