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Empower
Empowering
Artisans
Our business and our community are stronger when the women we work with are empowered with the agency and resources to benefit themselves.
We use a peer-to-peer approach, which perfectly fits the rural community we work in. We find high-performing artisans, immerse them deeply in relevant content and equip them with the tools to spread that information to their peers.
We use this training methodology for vocational training and for Life Skills Empowerment Programs.
Through Her Eyes
Join Anysie on her morning commute to work to Abahizi Rwanda, where Kate Spade New York’s ‘on purpose’ collection is made.
Her journey has been made to see in a 360-degree view.
Vocational Training
We provide comprehensive and ongoing trainings to our artisans so that their skills remain competitive. All of our training is aimed at delivering the highest quality products to our retail partners. We also offer multiple opportunities for artisans to attain leadership roles within the factory, from team leadership to mid-management roles.
20,000+ hours have been dedicated to providing continuous vocational training to our artisans.
Life Skills Empowerment Program
Working with local NGO experts, we have developed a Life Skills Program that equips employees with trainings and resources for financial literacy, English, Health, and Leadership skills.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS TRAINING
We are committed to helping the women at our company assume roles of leadership. We provide trainings and information to develop their leadership skills. This increased self-confidence and communication skills extend into the workplace, at home, and in the broader community.
86% of women were in formal leadership roles (i.e. decision-making, buy-in, increased responsibility and, with it, higher pay.
26% of women at Abahizi Rwanda own a business within the community.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
For many of our employees, their job at Abahizi is their first ever position in the formal economy. Being mindful of this, we give our artisans access to information and equip them with tools to make informed decisions and lead fiscally responsible lives.
As of today, 260+ artisans have actively participated in this program.
86% of artisans were actively saving money
97% secured a loan through a bank or other financial institution
83% owned land
MENTAL WELLBEING AND COUNSELING
We provide access to a full-time wellness advisor who provides a confidential counseling program, where employees can find resources to manage personal issues outside of the workplace. Artisans can choose between individual sessions, group therapy, or both.
As of June 2016, 150+ artisans have taken advantage of the free counseling services offered.
Health & Wellness Training
We provide a tailored health and nutrition training program. Among our artisans, you’ll find dedicated “Peer Educators” who deliver vital and relevant health information to their fellow artisans. From weekly ‘health office hours’ held during lunch to collective ‘healthy lunch groups’ – we know a healthy workforce is indispensable to a successful bottom line. As of today, the program has provided significant benefits to the artisans of Abahizi Rwanda.
Health care improved for mothers-to-be:
43% increase in prenatal doctor visits since 2016
39% of pregnant employees made 4 or more visits to the doctors, as recommended by international health standards.
ENGLISH & KINYARWANDA SKILLS
Working in the global marketplace requires team members that can read and understand English and Kinyarwanda. We provide industry-specific English training for artisan leaders and mid-management employees.
5,000+ hours have been dedicated to providing English and Kinyarwanda literacy classes to our artisans.
Continuous Artisan Technical Training and Lean Manufacturing
Methods
With over 14,000 units per season, training must be continuous. Abahizi Rwanda provides well-planned style changeovers to ensure the production efficiencies and the quality of the craftsmanship is of international standard.
As of today, 20,000+ hours have been put into continuous technical training at Abahizi Rwanda.
Social Impact Report
At Abahizi Rwanda we strive to make a positive difference in the world. We believe that when women are financially and personally empowered, they’re uniquely positioned to transform their community. Take an in-depth look at how we measure it, and the amazing things the women of Masoro are making happen. Join us on our path towards using fashion for good.
Download the 2022 - 2023 Social Impact Report
Download the Social Enterprise Model Report
Interested in working with us? We'd love to hear from you.