When you buy beadwork directly from the women of Umoja, your money goes toward fundamental community needs:
Buying jewelry from is more than a purchase; it is an investment in a social movement. Umoja (meaning "unity" in Swahili) is an all-female village in Samburu, Kenya, founded in 1990 by Rebecca Lolosoli as a safe haven for survivors of gender-based violence, forced marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The Impact of Your Purchase buy umoja jewelry
: The village is entirely self-sustaining, with jewelry sales and cultural tourism providing the primary income for food, clothing, and shelter. When you buy beadwork directly from the women
: Some artisans use recycled paper to create hand-rolled, glossy beads that are durable and eco-friendly. : Some artisans use recycled paper to create
: Proceeds fund the village school, ensuring children (both girls and boys) receive an education that might otherwise be unavailable in the deeply patriarchal surrounding culture.