In honor of this day (and of our May-long Mothers’ Month we are sharing stories and quotes from the lovely mama-makers of the IBABA cooperative in Rwanda—the talented artisans behind the beautiful hand-embroidered tee shirts and onesies from our Indego Africa x Hatch Collection. We chatted with these ladies to hear more about their stories, their experiences as working moms, and their dreams for their children’s futures. Read on for the ultimate Mother’s Day inspiration!
In the Words of Pelagie
Nyiraneza: "
I learned how to embroider at a training school run by French nuns before the genocide. Years later, I found out about IBABA from other women who were working there and they encouraged me to join. I discussed it with my husband, and we both thought it was a good idea. At the time, I was a farmer and spent my days looking after the children and doing chores while my husband worked. He was the only income-earner, which meant that he provided us with everything, but it often wasn’t enough. I only made a little bit of money during the harvest or when I sold some milk from my cows.After joining IBABA, my life changed a lot. Because of the income I was bringing in, my husband and I finally had the means to fully provide for our children. We have been able to expand and renovate our house. I opened a bank account for myself and also opened one for each of my children. I deposit money in their accounts whenever I can. Joining IBABA has also enabled me to work alongside other women and share ideas, advice and experiences with them. I left the farming behind and hired someone else to do it instead.”
In the Words of Dancilla Mukagakwisi: “Before working with IBABA, I was a farmer like many women, and I stayed at home to do the household chores. I found out three years ago that IBABA was looking for people who knew how to embroider, and I decided to go over there and ask for a job.
At that time, my life was not going very well. We lived in an unfinished house and my husband was not working, therefore there were some times when we could not afford school fees for our children or clothes. Even buying school uniforms for all my children was difficult.
Since joining IBABA and partnering with Indego Africa, my life has gotten so much better. I can pay the school fees, my children are studying, and my house was completed."