This week we wanted to shine a light on another lovely organization we’ve been working with for years. The Nyamirambo Women’s Center (NWC) was established in the city of Kigali in 2007 by 18 Rwandese women. Since their inception, their singular focus has been to address gender -based violence, gender inequality and discrimination.
(Photos by Meade Inglis for Umutima)
In 2013, NWC launched their product line, Umutima, which means “heart” in Kinyarwanda. The name couldn’t be more perfect because we fell in love with this line from the very beginning. And, when you add the fact that NWC now offers over 50 women dignified employment? We can’t get enough. Umutima definitely speaks our love language.
You can find some examples of the lovely items created by Umutima by visiting our online store, Hope Artisan Collective. We thought we’d showcase a few favorites today.
EMBROIDERED POUCHES
These sweet pouches are as lovely as they are functional. Embroidered with either a giraffe or a swallow and backed with beautiful kitenge fabric, these pouches make great purse/bag organizers … keeping those little odds and ends within easy reach (you know it takes 15 minutes to dig lip balm out from the bottom of a bag!)
KITENGE ZIPPERED CASES
Whether you need to take a few essentials or ALL THE THINGS, Umutima makes a case that will fit your needs. The larger cases are plastic lined, so you don’t need to worry about the occasional spill, and both come to you sporting the most precious woven embellishments made from dyed sweetgrass.
SHOP POUCHES AND CASES
KITENGE FABRIC ANIMALS
Oh, these sweet stuffed lovies have our hearts! Expertly crafted by the ladies working for Umutima, each animal comes with a sweet reminder of who made it. Tucked away, perhaps on a leg or a hip, each animal sports a small embroidered heart.
SHOP KITENGE STUFFED ANIMALS
UFFED ANIMALS
Thank you, NWC and Umutima - for offering lovely items and, more importantly, dignified employment to women in Rwanda.
Cheers to shopping for good!
