About us
The Powerwomen are a group of twenty women who came together to reduce poverty in the community.
The group chose the name « power », meaning strength. « nguru » is a Swahili word for power.
Some of the reasons for coming together was to reduce stigma in the community.
At the moment we are 20 members: Elizabeth Akinyi (chairlady), Hellen Moraa (vice chairlady), Everlyne Shiangala (secretary), Carolyne Awino (vice secretary), Rosemary Adhiambo (treasurer), Beatrice Khashiama, Maria Adelaide (group organiser), Teresia Atieno, Mary Auma, Gladys Nyaboke, Rhoda Atieno, Doris Agutu, Margret Muthoni, Seline Atieno, Jane Atieno (working), Clarice Anyango, Everlyne Kemunto, Dorine Achieng, Monica Mueni, Leunida Awouri.
The group started from nothing. The women had an idea of saving 10 KSH every meeting and we usually have two days of meeting per week. We saved for three month an amount of 3.000 KSH.
Out of 3.000 KSH we started making highcare and the products were so marketable in the word Aids day. We did not stop our savings. After six months we had in total 7.000 shilling. Therefore we went to buy some more beads and started to make long necklaces. As the season changed, we also altered the design of our products to short necklaces with bracelets and ear-rings as a set. Then we produced bone necklaces, bracelets and ear-rings as well as animal chains for men.
Now we have quite a number of products - all hand made: leather bracelet, wire bracelet, bead bracelet, bone bracelet, round bracelet, hand strip, clothes, bags, key-holders, twisted necklaces, kiondo, lamp sheds, t-shirts, kikoyé, lezzo, sandals, dishes, pots, boxes, necklaces made of seeds... You are welcome to have a more detailled look in the « Product » category.
For the last three years, then, we used to rent the shop but now we have our own house.
Our income is distributed as the following: 30% is entitled to the woman who produced the sold item. 10% covers expenses for running the shop and 40 % for buying the raw material. 20% is saved for hard times - e.g. when one of us grows sick. Since 2008, we are recognized as a CBO (community based organization).
In the category Products you can have a look at our work. Please do not hesitate to send as an email with comments, feedback or ordering.
The Powerwomen Group