JOURNAL

Taking action not just today but every day on this year's IWD theme, Embrace Equity, is part of my daily work. I read, I listen, I research, I speak, I act. We will only achieve equity if we move beyond allyship and into being co-conspirators.

The pandemic forced small businesses and organizations around the world to close, even here in our small rural community. But through it all, Zawadisha has remained strong. Our resilience and perseverance over the past few years prepared us for our next big opportunity.

The founder of Zawadisha, Jen Gurecki, picked up her first A Bird Named Frank piece of jewelry In 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya. She has received so many compliments on it that we not only carry that original piece she fell in love with, but a full collection of earrings and necklaces handmade in Cape Town, South Africa.

We invite you to revisit — or discover for the first time — the Instagram posts our community loved the most in 2021. We hope you enjoy our roundup of standout stories from around Africa highlighting the incredible and beloved people and places that we call home. 

Before joining Zawadisha, Margaret had been working as a receptionist at a local hospital. In her new job, she was able to become more involved in the business side of the operation. She always loved mathematics and finance. Now she is putting her passion – and her pride – to work. 

Zawadisha is a non-profit whose mission is to finance the livelihoods of rural Kenyan women and 100% of all proceeds from our shop benefit our microlending program. What makes our model so special? Find out here.