If you are looking for an innovative way to help women succeed around the world, this may be the project for you.
Indego Africa is an award-winning, design-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise that lifts women-owned businesses in Rwanda toward sustainable economic independence through access to markets and education. They provide opportunities for women in difficult circumstances to not only meet their families’ basic needs but also acquire skills that enhance long-term earning potential. Indego Africa’s mission is to help each artisan cooperative achieve the following:
WOMEN GENERATING SUSTAINABLE INCOME. Women consistently earn more than $2 per day through their own initiative and oversee households that are entirely free of hunger, inadequate housing, and school absenteeism.
WOMEN LEVERAGING VALUABLE LONG-TERM SKILLS. Women deploy new high-value skills to earn supplemental income in their own community – whether at a cooperative, another employer, or their own business.
WOMEN RUNNING PROFITABLE EXPORT BUSINESSES. Women manage cooperatives that are fiscally responsible, effective in product design and delivery, and dynamic contributors to the community – all while engaging the global export market on their own terms.
WOMEN FEELING HOPEFUL AND CONFIDENT. Women translate their experiences of financial success and increased productivity into a lasting sense of self-worth and pride, knowing that anything can be accomplished by working together with others and relying on their own strength.
They partner with for-profit cooperatives of more than 400 women artisans in Rwanda and exports, markets, and sells their jewelry, accessories, and home decor (a) on its online store, (b) to more than 80 retail stores across the U.S. and Europe, and (c) at major brands like J.Crew and Nicole Miller through cutting-edge design collaborations.
Check out their store here.
They then pool its profits from sales with donations to fund training programs – developed internally from the ground up – for the same women in management and entrepreneurship, literacy,technology, and health.
They hire top Rwandan university students from socially-vulnerable backgrounds to administer its training programs.
Indego Africa is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation and the subject of a Harvard Business School case study.
Indego Africa re-defines an outdated handicraft model of economic development and maps out a replicable blueprint for unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs in Africa. Download an overview of Indego Africa’s business model, mission, and strategy.
Right now you can support their Crowdrise campaign and help create change. Your donation will:
- CHANGE lives by providing women opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty
- CREATE jobs and sustainable livelihoods by supporting high growth potential artisan enterprises
- CATALYZE economic growth and social progess in communities in Rwanda and beyond
Disclosure: This post was written on behalf of Women Online & The Mission List. No compensation was provided.
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