Indego in Action

Our Partner Artisans See Their Work in Action: Jill Golden and DANNIJO

2013-06-20T14:23:00.000-04:00

An important facet of Emelienne’s, Joselyne’s, and Grace’s participation in the 2013 Artisan Trip was their interaction with our design partners and retail clients.

Last Thursday, the trio visited Jill Golden’s design showroom in the chic NOLITA neighborhood. Their eyes lit up as they spied the sparkling ISARO collection hand-beaded by Ejo Hazaza cooperative, and Emelienne raced to try on a few of these show-stopping pieces.

Emelienne decked out in Jill Golden!

After admiring each beautifully crafted piece of jewelry, Emelienne, Joselyne, and Grace sat down with Jill to discuss the purpose of a design showroom. Through productive discussion guided by Deirdre McGuigan, Indego’s Creative Director, Emelienne and Joselyne began to understand the importance of quality control and product presentation.

Discussion with Jill Golden

This experience allowed Emelienne and Joselyne the opportunity to imagine their futures as fully-independent and self-sufficient retailers. And once again, Emelienne resolved to pay it forward and report upon her visit to the showroom to the women of Ejo Hazaza.

Yesterday, the three women made a stop in the Meatpacking District at DANNIJO’s showroom to continue their tour of some of our fabulous design partners. The visit came at a great time because DANNIJO has just recently celebrated their five-year anniversary as a company! They are a great example for Joselyne and Emelienne to see how successful women entrepreneurs can be, especially with their huge success in such a short time.

Greeted with smiles and hugs, right away the five women were buzzing with excitement and ideas for their next project. The most recent Indego Africa x DANNIJO product is the Indego Clutch; however, it seems perhaps a piece of jewelry may be in the future.

Joselyne, Emelienne, and Grace got to admire all the amazing pieces to help fill them with ideas to bring back to Rwanda. It is also great for them to see the high quality of their products and how a successful business is run as a model for Cocoki and Abasangiye. At the request of Danielle and Jodie, Joselyne, Emelienne, and Grace each got to put on a signature DANNIJO “Bib” and strike a few poses with Danielle and Jodie before getting back to business.

Joselyne, Emelienne, and Grace with DANNIJO founders Jodie and Danielle

Grace Tsuni Uwase Hits Malaysia to attend the 2013 Women Deliver Global Conference!

2013-06-17T13:02:00.000-04:00

Before embarking upon her two-week trip to the United States for the 2013 Artisan Trip, Grace Tsuni Uwase spent a week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the third annual Women Deliver global conference. This conference is sponsored by Women Deliver, a global organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of women and girls.

Grace outside the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Grace attended several panel discussions throughout the conference, including a discussion for youth that focused on the importance of speaking their needs and experiences so as to shape the future of the maternal, sexual, and reproductive health fields. Additionally, she attended a panel discussion entitled “Developing Countries’ Strategies towards reaching FP2020 Goals,” featuring government officials from Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria as they discussed recent strides in family planning.

Grace highlighted the complications that Rwandan women face throughout pregnancy and childbirth. With access to a skilled midwife or doctor, the percentage of women who perish during childbirth would reduce. Furthermore, many of the women in Rwanda live far distances from the hospitals, making travel to them almost impossible.

Grace pictured here with Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the World YWCA General Secretary.

Through a partnership with Indego Africa, a constant supply of orders provides our partner artisans with income to purchase health insurance, medicine, and healthy food. Furthermore, Indego Africa is currently developing a sexual health awareness training program which will cover five topics including family planning and gender-based violence. Through these workshops, Indego Africa hopes to provide a comfortable environment for our artisan partners to discuss their concerns and questions.

Indego Africa salutes Grace for her participation in this conference, and be sure to stay tuned for more details highlighting our newest training program!

The Artisans Visit The Children's Storefront School

2013-06-14T12:55:00.001-04:00

Wednesday morning provided a fun and relaxing environment for Joselyne, Emelienne, and Grace to share their stories with the students of The Children's Storefront school.

The Children’s Storefront, located in Harlem, was founded in 1966 as a nap space and a safe haven for children. Today, it is a fully functioning independent school with the mission that all children deserve a quality education regardless of academic ability or financial means. The tuition-free school has 174 children encompassing grades pre-kindergarten through eighth. Enrollment is not determined by a child’s IQ or academic ability, and the students are described as having a strong desire to learn through high expectations and a strong work ethic. Not only is the Storefront a school but also a “family, community, and safe haven”.

Grace, Joselyne, and Emelienne pictured outside the school with a poster board
created by the students with facts about Rwanda and Indego Africa.

The morning began with a surprise presentation by the students, grades fifth through eighth, on their knowledge of Indego Africa and Rwanda. After opening remarks by Michael Williams, Assistant Head of School, and Karen Yelick, our CFO, the students learned more about our nine cooperatives and viewed our products firsthand. Joselyne, Emelienne, and Grace were happy to answer all of the students' thoughtful questions they had about Indego and their lives in Rwanda.

All the children had the opportunity to view our products- including
our sweetgrass bangles!

After the event, Grace had time to reflect upon the similarities and differences between the education system in the United States and in Rwanda. Rwanda has made strides in advancing the education system as it is easier for children to attend school now than it was ten years ago. Our 2012 Social Impact Report (which will be published in July) parallels this national progress; 73% of the women surveyed stated that all of the children they care for attend school on a regular basis.

Once Grace returns to Rwanda, she hopes to continue her relationship with the Storefront students. She mentors a group of children in Rwanda that once lived on the street and now live in an orphanage, some of whom share similar backgrounds with the Storefront students. Grace has a few ideas of her own in getting the two groups of children in touch because she is sure both groups would love to have friends on the other side of the ocean!

The event was a huge success as both parties enjoyed themselves while learning a great deal about each other's cultures. The Storefront students were able to see the importance of education and the difference it can make in someone's life. Michael Williams was especially grateful for our attendance noting, "it is rare to find people willing to give so much of themselves unconditionally. Your presence at our school truly made a difference."

We thank Children's Storefront School for allowing us to visit,

and we look forward to continuing our relationship!

Artisan Trip 2013: The Beginning

2013-06-12T10:25:00.003-04:00

It’s been seven days since Emelienne, Joselyne, and Grace landed in the United States, and they haven’t stopped since. The first activities in their jam-packed two-week trip included media training with Emmy-award winning news correspondent Jane Hanson along with a cocktail party in Summit, NJ on Sunday evening.

We thank our gracious hosts Gina Sullivan and Sheila Butko for their hospitality in Summit!

On Monday, the traveling trio held their first panel discussion with Danielle Snyder of DANNIJO at American Express. The foursome discussed their personal backgrounds and the partnership itself. Indego and DANNIJO’s collaboration dates back to 2011 when Cocoki first began creating the packaging for the sister’s funky jewelry line.

Today, the partnership continues to grow as Ibaba cooperative and Cocoki recently finished our latest product with DANNIJO, the Indego Clutch, featured on DANNIJO’s website. There was even talk between the artisans and DANNIJO about taking their relationship to the next level and expanding!

Danielle had some great things to say about women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship emphasizing the importance of the spirit of a woman and her natural ability to do good. Danielle also credited a lot of the success of DANNIJO to her authentic and genuine relationship with her sister, Jodie, noting how fans are able to relate to sisterhood among women.

Here are a few of our favorite quotes from the discussion…

"I like my job. It's helping my life and my family. I got lucky that I was able to work with Indego Africa."- Joselyne

"Indego Africa helped us overcome two challenges; they helped us find a place to work and helped us learn how to listen as leaders." - Emelienne

"The women now believe there is a reason they are still alive. They can lift themselves up through Indego Africa.” - Grace

The panel was a great success as it generated positive feedback about the power of investing in a woman- especially the women in Rwanda! We look forward to our continued work in the future with DANNIJO!

The panel was moderated by Mary Ann Fitzmaurice, the Senior Vice President
of American Express Open. Pictured from left are Mary Ann, Danielle, Joselyne, Grace, and Emelienne.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts highlighting the 2013 Trip!

- Courtney Landolfe and Kelly Luciano

Meet Our Summer 2013 Interns!

2013-05-30T08:26:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to introduce our summer interns working in New York and Rwanda! They join Indego at an exciting time, as we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Emelienne, Joselyne, and Grace for the 2013 Artisan Trip. Each one of them will prove to be an invaluable resource to Indego as they devote their time and talents for our cause! Let's meet the team!

Danielle Cherubin (Fundraising & Development, New York)
Danielle is a current graduate student at NYU in the Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy program. Her extensive experience includes domestic and international volunteer work. In New York, she serves as a DOVE volunteer at New York Presbyterian Hospital advocating for victims of domestic violence. Internationally, she has worked in Cusco, Peru building clean burning stoves in rural communities. This summer, she hopes to apply the fundamentals of non-profit development to Indego's growing portfolio and develop systems to enable sustainable growth.

Justine Drohan (Curriculum and Fundraising & Development, New York)

Justine is a rising senior at Georgetown University in Washington, DC studying International Economics with a focus on Finance and Governance. Her experience ranges from research conducted for an economic development think tank, Initiative for Policy Dialogue, to sales and marketing efforts for a children's television series on PBS. Additionally, she has interests in women's education in investing and volunteering for both Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity.

Courtney Landolfe (Communications, New York)

Courtney joins Indego as a rising senior at Lafayette College with majors in Economics and Spanish. Her experience ranges from creating marketing materials and translating for a travel agency in Seville, Spain to maintaining client relationships for The LE Group, a financial advisory team for Merrill Lynch. This past January, she volunteered in Haiti building a home and working with the local children's soccer league. This experience inspired her to work with Indego, as she views this upcoming summer both as a learning experience and an opportunity to help others.

Ross McFarland (Finance & Operations, New York)
Also a rising senior, Ross attends Elon University in North Carolina where he studies Entrepreneurship and Economics. His interest in social entrepreneurship brought him to India for the fall of 2012 where he conducted an impact assessment report for an NGO providing micro-credit and micro-savings services to 20,000 urban slum residents. He also has experience within the domestic non-profit realm working with a community development organization in Burlington, NC and the South Carolina Aquarium as a public relations and marketing intern.

Juho Kastemaa (Graphic Design, Website, and IT, New York)
Hailing from Finland, Juho is an exchange student at Murray State University in Kentucky studying Computer Science. He graduates from Haaga-Helia University in Finland next year with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His technical experience extends across designing websites, planning usability and user interfaces, and developing web services. Juho hopes to deepen his knowledge of computer science and graphic design this summer at Indego.

Deanna Choi (Legal, New York)
Deanna is a first year law student at the University of Chicago. She is active within her university serving leadership roles on several student organizations including Law, Inc,. a law and business organization. Her interest in social entrepreneurship and law stemmed from her work starting small social enterprises in international youth development with two friends. Her experience extends across five countries including Singapore, Korea, Mexico, and India. This summer, she is excited to learn about the legal aspects of the organization and work with a great team!

Aline Rurangirwa (Marketing & Communications, Rwanda)
A native of Kigali, Rwanda, Aline is pursuing her bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Media from Mount Kenya University. She achieved her secondary level certificate in math, physics, and chemistry. Her media experience includes writing and advertising sales for both online and print magazines. Aline is fluent in English, French, and Kinyarwanda; she utilizes her language skills in translations.

Home Sweet Home: Indego Visits Hakuzimana of Ejo Hazaza

2013-05-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Indego Africa’s home visit program consists of the team visiting one member of a cooperative. This program serves as a way to connect, build trust, and strengthen the relationship between the cooperative members and the Indego Africa team.

Heloise Mudenge, Indego Africa's Executive Associate, (far right) and Grace

Tsuni Uwase, Indego Africa's Production Associate, (second from right) join the women of Ejo Hazaza.

The process begins with the cooperative meeting and deciding who will be visited. They then determine a schedule with dates. Some of the cooperative members join the team on the visit.

This program started last year in August when the team first visited one of Twiyubake’s members. The visits, where they share drinks and snacks, are filled with laughter, conversation, and dance. This Thursday May 16^th, the team visited Hakuzimana Francine from Ejo Hazaza cooperative in Gasabo district, Kigali.

Ejo Hazaza cooperative consists of 30 female members, all HIV positive.

At 10AM, the Rwandan team arrived at Francine’s home and met seven other members of Ejo Hazaza. They sat down, talked, and shared a drink. Later on, the women and the team danced.

The women of Ejo Hazaza ended the home visit with a dance!

The team shared that the home visit program has improved the work atmosphere as they are developing great bonds with each of the women. Indego’s partner artisans enjoy these visits as well; they are thrilled to welcome the team in their homes and to get to know them better.

The team also added that visiting the women helps them understand what condition of life the cooperative members live in and the importance of their work. The impact they have on the women’s lives nourish their drive and encourage them to continue pushing forward economic change.

Cheers to Indego Africa and the amazing women in the cooperatives!

- Aline Rurangirwa

The Evolution of the 10 Candidates of the 10,000 Women Program

2013-05-17T08:22:00.001-04:00

The ten women accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship certificate program attended a six-hour mentorship session with Yves, Indego Africa’s Accountant and Operations Associate, on Wednesday.

The session aimed to help these women finalize skills concerning writing and structuring their business plans. In the meeting, the candidates: named their business, learned about expanding their business, how to work and talk with their employees and customers, how to deal with competitors, and how to grow a healthy and stable business.

Speaking with these women, they shared that the training has been very useful. They have learned how to be confident and independent. They now feel able to start their own business and handle it themselves.

“When I am studying, I feel like I am wearing a hat-a symbol of strength, independence and confidence kind of hat” said Anne-Marie. This experience has been an interesting journey where they are proud to have learned to handle their business and grow their cooperatives.

“Based on the diversity of their business plans and cooperatives they work in, the challenges they face are different. Reuniting all of them at once facilitates me to interact with them all at once and give them the ability to share ideas and learn from each others experience.” said Yves. He continued saying that these women are fast and enthusiastic learners. You can see their progress from where they were to now.

We encourage them on their learning journey!

Read each of the 10 candidates' profiles here!

-Aline Rurangirwa

Imirasire Learns the Ins and Outs of Indego Africa in Indego 101!

2013-05-17T08:03:00.002-04:00

Last year, Indego Africa launched Indego 101, an initiative which seeks to promote transparency and open discussion with our partner cooperatives. Through participation in this three-hour session, each cooperative gains an understanding of our unique supply chain and partnership model.

Each artisan has the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback which enables Indego Africa staff to improve our relationships with artisan partners. Through the explanation of our role in providing market access, each cooperative begins to understand how they will eventually operate independently.

This past Monday, Imirasire, a weaving cooperative located in Mayange, completed their Indego 101 session.

Learn more about Imirasire here and shop their products!

Here is some of our favorite feedback regarding our Hands Up training program and income generation:

“We are thankful for the trainings that we received, and it was through Indego Africa that I was able to participate in Goldman Sachs trainings for which I got a certificate.”- Donatha

“I have been able to pay fees for my children, buy health insurance,

get a bank account, and get water for my house.”- Chantal

Through Indego 101, Indego Africa strengthens our relationships with our partner artisans while providing them encouragement and support. Indego Africa’s In-Country Director, Rosine Urujeni, concluded the session with motivational words: with effort and determination, these women can achieve anything.

A Mother's Love: The Story of Jacqueline Mukandahiro

2013-05-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Jacqueline Mukandahiro is the Vice President of Cocoki, a sewing cooperative of 30 women located in Kicukiro District. She is a mother of four children.

Jacqueline with her 17-month-old daughter outside her home

As a young girl and now a wife and mother herself, Jacqueline Mukandahiro’s own mother has always served as her inspiration. “When I was young, my mother cared for me and my siblings; she ensured we had whatever we needed. She taught us love and now encourages me to have patience in my marriage.”

This patience now comes in handy for Jacqueline who now juggles four children, her leadership role at Cocoki, training program participation, and her daily sewing and production responsibilities. She often makes sacrifices to strike the appropriate balance. “I have had to turn down extra work so that I can have more time with my children, and I am also not able to see my family as much because of my responsibilities at home.”

Despite these challenges, Jacqueline maintains balance, “They are all part of my responsibilities; therefore, I have to be organized and plan so that I have a time when I can handle each one of them.”

Before working with Indego Africa, Jacqueline struggled to provide for her family. “I used to work from home, and most of the time, the work was not enough. At times, we would have to go without a few things because the income was not enough.”

With the income she earns from Cocoki’s product sales, Jacqueline can better meet the needs of her family. She has even set aside and invested a portion of her income in repairing and improving her home. Applying what she has learned in Indego Africa’s Business Management & Entrepreneurship training, she has become more organized with her family’s finances.

In addition to providing financially for her children, Jacqueline hopes to instill values, such as mutual respect and education, in them much as her own mother did with her. “I want my children to respect people and have love for all, but most importantly, I want them to love to learn.” She encourages discipline and hard work, so they may set goals in their lives that will bring them fulfillment.

On Mother’s Day, we recognize the achievements and efforts made by mothers everywhere to guarantee their children’s happiness, health, and safety. Jacqueline acts as inspiration to all mothers who balance families and careers. She offers her own advice to them, “have patience, love, and care for your children.”

We applaud you, Jacqueline, and all mothers around the world not only on Mother’s Day, but every day.

Indego Hits the Kitchen with The Apron Project!

2013-05-08T09:57:00.004-04:00

Indego Africa's newest collaboration (launched this week!) works toward the elimination of worldwide hunger and obesity!

Ellen Gustafson, a sustainable food activist, social entrepreneur, and co-founder of FEED founded The Apron Project to combat the global food crisis. And guess what- their first apron collection is handmade by Cocoki!

This apron places the power in the chef’s hands to reclaim lives through food security and healthy eating. The purchase of an apron not only provides the women of Cocoki the ability to put food on the table for their families but also encourages homemade, nutritious eating. An eight-dollar portion of each apron sold benefits the ChangeDinner Fund of Food Tank, a think-tank initiative focused on researching ways to eliminate poverty, obesity, and the food crisis while creating networks of individuals and organizations to promote food system change.

Click here for a video of the women of Cocoki in action!

You support two initiatives in one colorful, hand-dyed apron! Now- let’s hop in the kitchen and change the way we think about eating!

A member of Cocoki models the finished product!

Don’t forget the kids! Stay tuned this summer for a collection of children’s aprons and bibs, so they can join in on the fun!

Interested in learning more? Check out this informative article, written by Gustafson, featuring The Apron Project, Indego Africa, and how we should rethink the way we eat.

A Beautiful Spring Night of Fair-Trade Fashion!

2013-05-06T10:03:00.000-04:00

Last Tuesday's New York Regional Board's Spring Fashion Trunk Show was a huge success! Our newest products were a hit with guests as they enjoyed wine, appetizers, and conversation with Indego Africa supporters and board members. The money raised through product sales help support educational training programs for our artisan partners.

Shop our newest products here- just in time for Mother's Day!

Recognize those patterned bangles?! They pair perfectly with the agatako ring!

These lovely ladies are checking out the Kigali bracelets -
our newest collaboration with jewelry designer, Jill Golden!

Thanks to everyone who attended!

Indego Africa also extends a special thank-you to the fabulous New York Regional Board for coordinating the event, our gracious hosts Bob Herrmann and Blair Bennett, and photographer Boukari Maiga!

Interested in becoming more involved with Indego Africa? Consider becoming a regional board member!

Ibaba: Chique Embroidery in Rwanda

2013-04-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

An Ibaba embroiderer

Indego Africa constantly seeks Rwandan female entrepreneurs producing fashionable products. Our newest discovery: Ibaba, meaning “wing” in Kinyarwanda. The women of Ibaba are from the Embroidery Center of Rutongo, located about 45 minutes outside of Kigali.

The artisans of Rutongo learned the skill of embroidery from Belgian nuns over 30 years ago. In the past, these women were known as the premier embroiderers in Rwanda. The genocide in 1994 disrupted their activities and left most of the women without work, but the Embroidery Center of Rutongo recently formed as a cooperative in 2012. The women embroider by hand on Belgian linen, and impose the image upon baskets, pouches, clothes, bedspreads and pillows. Another innovative feature of Ibaba’s work is their combination of embroidering traditional Rwandan geometric shapes with a modern flair, thereby promoting the beauty of traditional Rwandan culture.

Embroidered pouches

Traditional Rwandan geometric pattern

The Embroidery Center of Rutongo is composed of 20 women embroiderers and two women sewers. Veronique Gamard, a former graphic designer, creates the patterns that the women embroider. Veronique became dedicated to Rutongo’s women because of family ties. The family compound in Rutongo where the women work is the home of the former Rwandan Ambassador to the U.S. Even while outside Rwanda, the ambassador remained dedicated to the advancement of his community and utilized the house compound as a source of employment. However, the house emptied after his death. The ambassador’s son, Eugene, married Veronique’s sister. On a family visit to Rutongo in January 2011, Veronique and her sister saw some women embroidering and decided to reopen the household to continue the family’s legacy of employing Rutongo community members.

Veronique discussing embroidery with the women

Ibaba’s embroidery will soon be displayed on the national scale through a design partnership with Dannijo, two sister jewelry designers committed to women’s empowerment. This spring, Dannijo will release a pouch sewed by Cocoki cooperative and embroidered by Ibaba featuring the design duo’s name.

The Embroidery Center of Rutongo has a fascinating history and is bound to have a bright future as they re-emerge on the Rwandan fashion scene. Their first large-scale order for Dannijo will be the first of many!

Thriving Entrepreneurs at Cocoki Cooperative

2013-04-15T10:55:00.001-04:00

Betty Uwamwiza in imikenyero

Indego Africa’s primary goal is for its artisan partners to become self-sufficient, independent entrepreneurs. Through Indego Africa’s training programs, each cooperative gains skills in financial management, including recordkeeping and banking, and outside economic activities, including pricing and budgeting. Cocoki, a sewing cooperative, has demonstrated mastery of Indego Africa’s Business Management and Entrepreneurship training program by starting its first side business to generate more income for the cooperative members. The best thing is that this side business promotes Rwandan fashion and traditional Rwandan culture!

The business is called imikenyero. Imikenyero is a Kinyarwanda word that refers to the traditional Rwandan formal dress worn for celebrations such as weddings or graduations. Imikenyero fabric is high quality and normally costs around $75-$100 per dress. Recognizing the high demand alongside the high cost for formal attire, Cocoki saw potential for a profitable business venture renting imikenyero, and the accompanying undershirt, for around $8 per day. Cocoki buys yards of imikenyero fabric from downtown Kigali in large quantities, and then cuts and sews the imikenyero so that it is ready to wear. Cocoki has already secured a large client base, mainly women who require formal attire for conferences, graduations, or weddings. Cocoki rents imikenyero fabric in large quantities since many wedding parties of ten or more women rent the same fabric to match.

Francine Uwamahoro of Cocoki

Cocoki decided to start this business because they thought they needed to invest the money they had in their cooperative savings account, the bulk of which was saved from Indego Africa’s orders. Without Indego Africa’s constant supply of orders, Cocoki says they wouldn’t have been able to take the risk to start this new business. Through Indego Africa’s Business Management and Entrepreneurship training, the women developed the idea of investing saved money. The business started in August 2012, and the women of Cocoki have already regained the seed money they initially invested. Emelienne Nyiramana of Cocoki says, “The business is going well so far. At least twice a week, every week, we get clients who want to rent from us.”

And this imikenyerobusiness isn’t all that Cocoki is interested in! After growing their imikenyero business, they plan to start even more side businesses to diversify and increase their income sources. Current ideas include a mushroom farm or a sewing training school for Rwandan women. Whatever venture Cocoki decides on next, it is clear they are exemplary Rwandan female entrepreneurs!

Francine, Betty and Florence proudly posing in Cocoki's imikenyero choices

Indego Africa Attends the 4th Annual Women in the World Summit!

2013-04-08T14:05:00.000-04:00

“Women are not victims, we are agents of change, we are drivers of progress, we are makers of peace- all we need is a fighting chance.”

These compelling words of Hillary Clinton deeply resonated with the staff of Indego Africa during the 4^th annual Women in the World Summit.

Our 400+ artisan partners are the prime example of women who have endured immense heartbreak and setbacks but have continued to trudge forward and become changemakers within Rwanda.

Indego was honored to attend the 2013 conference alongside other women’s leaders from the political, corporate, and non-profit realms. Noteworthy speakers and panelists included: Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Angelina Jolie, and Diane von Furstenberg. Moderators included: Oprah, Christiane Amanpour, and Claire Danes.

Tina Brown, the Editor in Chief of Newsweek and The Daily Beast, offers remarks.
Newsweek and The Daily Beast hosted this year's summit.

We heard stories of triumph, hope, and determination. One of which was of Dr. Tererai Trent, who as a young girl in Zimbabwe could not attend school. She completed her brother’s homework, and his teacher encouraged her to pursue her education. At age 11, she married against her will. Seven years and four children later, she finally had the chance to dream.

She wrote her educational aspirations on a piece of paper and hid it under a rock. She then traveled to the United States, where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Now, she is determined to provide educational opportunities to the children of Zimbabwe. Currently, she is partnering with the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Save the Children in building a new school for 4,000 children in Zimbabwe.

After hearing the inspiring stories on stage, summit attendees had the opportunity to shop at the boutique, featuring jewelry and accessories from organizations supporting women artisans. One of the products featured was our canvas stripe pouch designed by our partner cooperative, Cocoki.

Shop the canvas striped pouch in pink and in a green-batik pattern on our website!

What an incredible two days! Indego was deeply inspired by the stories of women from throughout the world fighting to enhance their lives and the lives of other women economically, personally, and professionally. We will take each of their stories to heart as we continue to work for the economic independence of our partner artisans.

Indego Africa Partner Artisan Coming to America!

2013-04-03T09:35:00.000-04:00

Indego Africa is bursting with excitement!! We proudly announce that Cocoki cooperative member Emelienne Nyiramana has been selected to visit America as part of her ‘'Peace Through Business' program.

Emelienne celebrating her success with Darcie Harris (left) and Marion Marshall (right) from Peace Through Business

The graduation ceremony for the 28 Rwandan female participants took place on Tuesday, March 26^th at Chez Lando hotel in Remera. Before the ceremony, the program participants presented their business plans to a panel of judges. Emelienne’s business plan focused on opening a stand-alone retail store for Cocoki’s products, enabling Cocoki to reach more customers within Rwanda and better present their handicraft products.

The 28 graduates of the Peace Through Business program

Of the 28 female Rwandan participants, only 10 were selected to continue their training in America. Emelienne was selected on the basis of the presentation of her business plan, class attendance and participation, and performance on weekly entrepreneurship quizzes.

As Emelienne says, “When I found out I was going to America, I was so overjoyed and honored to be one of the 10 women selected. I am so happy to be a winner and to visit a new part of America. The whole process has been so exciting, and I am thrilled I get to continue learning to be a better entrepreneur to empower myself and Cocoki cooperative.”

Emelienne will be heading to Dallas, Texas in July 2013 to continue her business training with her mentor Marion Marshall, a Texas-based designer. Marion visited Cocoki and Indego Africa’s office last week with Emelienne to express her excitement for Emelienne’s upcoming visit. Marion has planned for Emelienne to meet inspirational designers in Texas to learn more about the fashion industry and how to expand Cocoki’s business. Moreover, Marion encouraged Emelienne to bring Cocoki products, which will be sold at a pop-up store in Dallas during Emelienne’s visit.

Indego Africa can’t express how impressed we are by Emelienne’s success and drive to continue learning. She is a terrific example for all of Indego Africa’s partner artisans and shows that the sky is the limit!

And the Final Profile is...

2013-03-22T06:38:00.001-04:00

The 10th Indego Africa partner artisan in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program is Angelique Nisengwe from IKU.

Congratulations to all 10 inspiring women on being selected for this prestigious program. We look forward to seeing how the business knowledge they learn will help them grow as Rwandan female entrepreneurs!

"I have always wanted to become an entrepreneur and expand my business knowledge"

Name: Angelique Nisengwe

Cooperative: Ingenzi Knit Union (IKU), Susuruka sub-cooperative

Cooperative leadership: Former President of Susuruka, Advisor in IKU

Age: 47

Time at IKU/Susukura: Angelique has spent 5 years at Susukura cooperative and 3 years at IKU. She came to Susuruka because she was among the people selected in her village to participate in knitting training provided by Millennium Village Projects (MVP).

Family: She was born into a family of 12 children, but only 4 are still alive today. She has three children, 2 sons and 1 daughter, in addition to one adopted son.

Schooling: She attended secondary school for 3 years, but had to stop because her parents told her that a girl doesn’t need to study and should instead focus on being a good wife.

Background: Angelique was born in Rushashi District in the Northern Province of Rwanda, but she grew up in Bugesera, Rwanda. During the genocide, she was a refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Her husband died while they fled to DRC. Before joining Susuruka and IKU, Angelique grew crops and sold food products at the market, but eagerly wanted a stable, professional job.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: “I have already started sensitizing people in my community to start businesses by drawing upon what I have learned thus far in the GS 10,000 Women Program.”

Future Goals: “After the GS trainings, I plan to expand my cooperative business by looking for new markets and new sources of funding for IKU. Moreover, I have my own business taking care of chickens and producing eggs. I want to expand this business to 300 chicken to produce eggs to sell to the market. I applied for a loan in the past but was denied; with the business plan skills I gain from GS 10,000 Women, I know I can successfully re-apply for the loan to grow my business.”

And the Second Twiyubake Participant

2013-03-21T10:59:00.000-04:00

Marie Odette is the second woman from Twiyubake to be accepted into the GS 10,000 Women program!

"My main goal from the trainings is to learn a lot about entrepreneurship so that I can work for myself"

Name: Marie Odette Murekatete

Cooperative: Twiyubake

Cooperative leadership: Secretary

Age: 31

Time at Twiyubake: 5 years. She came to Twiyubake because her pastor told her about the opportunity to work with other women and get income. She has helped numerous new members to join Twiyubake.

Family: She was born into a family of 3 children. Marie Odette is not yet married and has no children. However, she helps her mother to take care of her siblings.

Schooling: She attended primary school for 5 years, but had to stop attending school when the genocide started. She didn’t have the means to continue school after the genocide ended.

Background: Marie Odette was born in Kayonza but fled to Tanzania as a refugee during the Rwandan genocide. While in Tanzania, she learned how to do banana leaf weaving, and was selling small amounts of banana leaf products on her own before joining Twiyubake. She was also a subsistence farmer and spent hours each day cultivating her land.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: “When I considered my position as a leader in Twiyubake cooperative, I decided I need to contribute more to the cooperative through learning valuable business skills.”

Future Goals: “I want to help the cooperative develop to do better than it is doing now. I want to know what the Rwandan government means when it always talks of promoting business, and I want to better understand the rules governing business in Rwanda so that I can successfully start my own business.”

The First Twiyubake Participant!

2013-03-20T10:29:00.001-04:00

Today, Indego Africa proudly features the first woman from Twiyubake banana leaf cooperative to be accepted into the GS 10,000 Women Program.

"I am so excited every day for the trainings and to continue learning. In fact, I feel like I'm a young university student!"

Name: Jacqueline Musabyimana

Cooperative: Twiyubake

Cooperative Leadership: newly elected President (previously Vice President)

Age: 30

Time at Twiyubake: 6 years

Family: Jacqueline was born into a family of 11 children because her father had 3 wives. 7 of Jacqueline’s siblings are alive today. Jacqueline has 3 children, 1 son and 2 daughters. Jacqueline also has 1 adopted daughter who she found at 1 years old suffering of malnutrition and on the verge of death; Jacqueline brought her home and has cared for her ever since.

Schooling: Jacqueline attended primary school, but she had to stop school due to the outbreak of the genocide. She was committed to her studies and managed to finish primary school after the genocide. However, she was unable to attend secondary school because of insufficient funds. Jacqueline loves learning, and so she currently pays a private teacher to teach her English multiple times a week. She has also participated in Accounting and Management Trainings through Women for Women International.

Background: Jacqueline was born in Kigali. She moved to Kayonza in 1998 to join her mother’s family. Before working at Twiyubake cooperative, she used to sell food products at a local market with her mother, but didn’t make enough to support herself and her family.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: “I applied for trainings because Indego Africa staff came and advertised the opportunity. It sounded like a good fit because I am eager to build my business knowledge. I actually applied for the program twice because I am so interested, and very happy to have been accepted this time!”

Future Goals: “I want so much to help the cooperative, but I also want to start my own business to gain father income to support my family. Moreover, I want to train other women at Twiyubake in entrepreneurship so that they can start their own businesses.”

IKU's Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Participant

2013-03-19T11:05:00.002-04:00

Today's profile features the third woman from Ingenzi Knit Union (IKU) to be accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program.

"I applied to GS 10,000 Women in order to get business knowledge and new skills that I don't currently have"

Name: Rose Manirarora

Cooperative: Ingenzi Knit Union (IKU), Mpore Mama sub-cooperative

Cooperative Leadership: President of IKU

Age: 34

Time at IKU: Rose has spent 4 years at IKU. She has been knitting since 2006.

Family: Rose was born into a family of 8 children. Rose has three children (2 sons and 1 daughter) and also takes care of her husband’s daughter from a previous marriage.

Schooling: Rose attended all years of primary school. She was only able to attend 2 years of secondary school because of the outbreak of the Rwandan genocide while she was finishing her second year. After the genocide, Rose received technical training in knitting from Women for Women International.

Background: Rose was born in Nyanza, Rwanda, but moved to Kigali when she was young and has been here ever since. She was separated from her family at the age of 17 when fleeing to a refugee camp during the Rwandan genocide. She married at the age of 16, but her first husband died of HIV; she has since remarried. Before learning to knit, she occupied various jobs including selling fish at a local market and selling vegetables at Kimironko market in Kigali.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: Rose originally heard about the GS 10,000 Women Program from other female entrepreneurs who had participated in it. Rose previously applied for the program and was accepted. However, because IKU wanted her to take on a new leadership position as president of the union, she was unable to attend at that time. Now that she is comfortable at IKU, she eagerly applied for GS 10,000 Women again. As she says, "I am so grateful I can do the program this time around!

Future Goals: “After the trainings, I will be able to help IKU do better business. Moreover, with the business knowledge I learn in the GS 10,000 Women trainings, I will also be able to help my family by assisting my husband in growing his small business.”

Another Week of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Participants

2013-03-18T06:09:00.002-04:00

To start off week 2 of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women profiles, Indego Africa congratulates Anne Marie Nikuze for being the third woman from Cocoki cooperative to be accepted into this prestigious entrepreneurship training program.

"We have already started training, and I am really enjoying the lessons and knowledge learned so far!"

Name: Anne Marie Nikuze

Cooperative: Cocoki

Cooperative Leadership: President (previously Secretary)

Age: 33

Time at Cocoki: 4 years. Anne Marie was originally part of ANGE sewing cooperative, but when mismanagement of cooperative funds was noticed, she left ANGE with other members to form Cocoki.

Family: Anne Marie was born in Rusizi District. She was born into a family of 11 children, and 9 of her siblings are still alive. Anne Marie has been married for 1 year and has 5 children, 1 son and 4 daughters.

Schooling: Anne Marie attended primary school, but was unable to attend secondary school because it was too expensive. Anne Marie received 1 year of technical sewing training at ANGE cooperative before forming Cocoki.

Background: Before working at Cocoki cooperative, Anne Marie sold vegetables in the street in Kigali. However, she was unable to earn enough money through this business to support her family.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women: “I decided to apply for the trainings in order to truly become an entrepreneur and gain more business skills.”

Future Goals: “I hope that I will learn more about entrepreneurship and will get skills that will help Cocoki to improve and grow. As the newly elected President of Cocoki, knowing business skills well is necessary.”

To End the Week...

2013-03-15T11:58:00.000-04:00

To finish the week off with a bang, today's profile features Francine Hakuzimana, the second woman from Ejo Hazaza cooperative to be accepted into the GS 10,000 Women Program.

"I aspire to start my own business after the GS 10,000 Women training and hope to become a better entrepreneur!"

Name: Francine Hakuzimana

Cooperative: Ejo Hazaza

Cooperative Leadership: Vice President

Age: 47

Time Spent at Ejo: 6 years. Francine was pregnant when she met the other women of Ejo Hazaza. They were all at the hospital receiving training on how to prevent HIV transmission to their new-borns.

Family: Francine was born into a family of 12 children (4 boys, 8 girls) in Nduba. She is separated from her husband and she is the sole provider for her 6 children (1 boy, 5 girls) as well as 3 orphan boys.

Schooling: She attended 6 years of primary school and decided to go to a secretarial school for one year where she learned how to type. She also attended a technical school for 2 years where she learned to sew.

Background: Before helping to form Ejo, Francine was the vice president of a farming cooperative that grew vegetables and fruit. For a while, she was working for both Ejo Hazaza and the farming cooperative. However, she later decided to stay full-time at Ejo because it presents more opportunities for her.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: She was encouraged to apply by the other women from the cooperative who felt she had the potential and skills to participate in the program.

Future goals: “I’d like to add onto the skills that I already possess and use the knowledge that I will acquire to help take my cooperative forward.”

First Ejo Hazaza GS 10,000 Women Participants

2013-03-14T08:20:00.002-04:00

A big congratulations to Janet Ntakirutimana for being one the first women from Ejo Hazaza beading cooperative to be accepted into the GS 10,000 Women Program. Check back tomorrow to see the other Ejo Hazaza member who was accepted!

"Through the GS 10,000 Women Program, I hope to make improvements in the way I conduct business on a daily basis"

Name: Janet Ntakirutimana

Cooperative: Ejo Hazaza

Cooperative Leadership: Secretary

Age: 35

Time at Ejo Hazaza: 5 years. Janet met the future members of Ejo Hazaza when they were all attending a session called “Preventing Mother to Child HIV Transmission.” The women decided to come together to form a cooperative so that they can afford baby formula, as an alternative to breastfeeding, to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to their children.

Family: Janet was born into a family of 7 children (2 boys and 5 girls) in Nduba, Rwanda. She lost her first husband to HIV but she recently re-married and has 2 sons.

Schooling: She attended seven years of primary school and one year of secondary school. She had to stop secondary school due to the outbreak of the genocide, and was unable to continue after the genocide since she had insufficient funds.

Background: Before working at Ejo Hazaza, Janet was a subsistence farmer who used to grow vegetables.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: Janet applied for the program because she wants to be able to write business plans and learn all aspects of how to run a business. She is also eager to learn how to write proper receipts, which is a major problem Ejo Hazaza cooperative continually faces.

Future goals: “I want to acquire a lot of knowledge about how to run a successful business. I also want to learn how to create new designs for products that are different from the ones we are making now because a lot of people are making similar ones. ”

Godence Umutesi: Another Abasangiye Participant

2013-03-13T10:53:00.001-04:00

Today's profile features another inspiring woman from Abasangiye sewing cooperative who was accepted into the 10th cohort of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program.

"I was unable to complete my own schooling, so this is a great chance to continue my education"

Name: Godence Umutesi

Cooperative: Abasangiye

Age: 33

Time at Abasangiye: 2 years. Godence also joined Abasangiye cooperative in 2011 after hearing about Abasangiye from AVEGA, a group that helps genocide survivors.

Family: Godence has no children and is not yet married. She was born into a family of 10 children but only 3 of her siblings are still alive after the genocide.

Schooling: Godence attended primary school but was unable to obtain funds to attend secondary school. She learned to sew at Abasangiye cooperative.

Background: Godence was born in Kayonza, Rwanda. She used to stay around her house with no source of income before joining Abasangiye.

GS 10,000 Women Program: Godence was motivated to apply for the program when she heard about all the business knowledge acquired through the program. As Godence says, “I applied for the GS 10,000 Women program because I think that the trainings will help my cooperative and myself to grow.”

Future Goals: In the past, Godence says that she set personal and professional goals, but found them unattainable because she didn’t know where to start. Godence confidently states, “The GS 10,000 Women trainings will help me fulfill my goals in life; now it’s possible to set business goals and achieve them, such as starting my own business.”

Introducing Annonciate Murebwayire

2013-03-12T10:03:00.002-04:00

Today's GS 10,000 Women Program Participant profile features Annonciate Murebwayire from Abasangiye sewing cooperative.

"I joined GS 10,000 Women so that I can help Abasangiye grow up and mature. I am very grateful for the chance to join this exciting program"

Name: Annonciate Murebwayire

Cooperative: Abasangiye

Cooperative Leadership: Secretary

Age: 47

Time at Abasangiye: 2 years. Annonciate joined in 2011 after hearing about Abasangiye from AVEGA, a group that helps genocide survivors.

Family: She was born into a family of 9 children, but Annonciate is the only one of her siblings who survived the genocide. She has 3 children: 2 sons and 1 daughter.

Schooling: Annonciate attended primary school and 3 years of secondary school in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where a family friend was sponsoring her to go to school. When her family friend passed away, she was unable to continue her schooling.

Background: Annonciate was born in Kayonza, Rwanda. She went to the DRC in 1985 to escape local violence but returned to Rwanda in 1987. Annonciate learned to sew at Abasangiye cooperative. She was also a schoolteacher for 5 years in a primary school in Kayonza, where she taught Kinyarwanda and French.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: Annonciate was encouraged to apply to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program was when Rosine, Indego Africa’s Rwanda Country Director, came to the cooperative to tell the women about the program. She knew fellow Abasangiye cooperative member Joselyne had participated in the program, and eagerly applied.

Future Goals: Annonciate is excited to gain business skills that will not only help the cooperative, but also enable her to run a successful personal business in the future.

The 10 Days of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Participants

2013-03-11T07:45:00.000-04:00

Over the next 10 days, Indego Africa would like to highlight the 10 new women accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship Certificate Program. We are incredibly proud that so many of our outstanding female artisan partners were selected to be part of the 10th cohort of the program, where they will learn valuable business skills to help their cooperatives grow.

Be sure to check back everyday to hear these women's incredible and inspiring stories, as well as what they hope to achieve after participating in the training!

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To kick off the week, our first profile is of Jeanne D'Arc from Imirasire weaving cooperative.

"I am so happy that I was accepted to the GS 10,000 Women Program!"

Name: Jeanne D'Arc

Cooperative: Imirasire

Age: 51

Time at Imirasire: 3 years

Family: Born into a family of 16 children (!!) in Butare. Jeanne got married in 1983 and moved from Butare to Bugesera, where she has been ever since. Unfortunately her husband died, and now she takes care of her four children (3 daughters, 1 son) by herself.

Schooling: Jeanne attended 6 years of primary school and 3 years of post-primary school at a vocational school where she was trained in weaving and entrepreneurship.

Background: Before working at Imirasire cooperative, Jeanne was a subsistence farmer. She came to Imirasire because she wanted to work to be able to take care of her children as a single mother. In addition to weaving at Imirasire, Jeanne likes to farm, tailor and attend any trainings or workshops to expand her existing skill set and knowledge base.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program: “I applied to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program because I realized I will get more knowledge from the program than I currently have, and this knowledge will help me to improve my life and work."

Future Goals: Jeanne is excited to make connections with other inspiring female entrepreneurs. She hopes to learn from the other women in the program and be able to interact with them in the future on both a personal and professional basis.