OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create sustainable solutions to poverty by harnessing the power of ancient craftsmanship. We believe in the transformative potential of empowering women through sustainable fashion, fair trade, and ethical practices. By combining traditional skills with modern design, we create bold, resilient products that not only tell a story but also provide a source of income and empowerment for artisan women in Kenya. Every purchase helps fund vital programs in women empowerment, education, access to food and water, and reproductive health resources, creating a ripple effect of change that keeps girls in school and fosters the next generation of empowered women.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create opportunities for women to lead and develop solutions to their own challenges, acting as a catalyst for lasting change. We strive to build a world where women have the resources, education, and support to shape their futures, lifting entire communities along the way. By partnering with other organizations and creating impactful collaborations, we extend our reach beyond our immediate scope, bringing sustainable solutions to more villages across Africa.
OUR STORY
Incorporated in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our brand was born out of a shared passion for sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Founded by Anne Drane and Catherine Wambui Mung’ara, two Kenyan-born women with a profound love for their heritage, SAWA SAWA merges traditional artistry with modern solutions. Anne, based in Austin, Texas, handles the American commerce and fundraising side. Catherine, living in Nairobi, Kenya, works directly with artisans, communities, product manufacturing, and partners. They both understand firsthand the power of community and the need to uplift women. As mothers, both are deeply committed to creating a world where their daughters—and all girls—have equal opportunities to thrive.
Our products are handmade with love by talented artisan women in Kenya, using locally sourced, natural, organic agave fiber. This bold, strong, and resilient material mirrors the spirit of the artisans who craft each piece. Each bag is not just a product but a symbol of empowerment, a testament to the strength and creativity of the women who made it. We are a black-woman-founded social enterprise that believes in fair sourcing, ethical practices, and transparency in everything we do.
Our revenues are reinvested into community programs that provide women with the tools, education, and resources they need to overcome barriers and thrive. These programs include women’s empowerment initiatives, access to food and clean water, and reproductive health resources—key factors that help keep girls in school and build stronger, more resilient communities.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
We invite you to be a part of our mission and help drive meaningful change. Here’s how you can get involved:
– Donate: Your generous donations help fund essential programs in education, health, and women’s empowerment.
– Travel with Us: Join us on a transformative trip to Africa to meet the artisans, see their work firsthand, and connect with the communities and partners we support.
– Volunteer Your Skills: Share your expertise in areas like marketing, fundraising, or education to help us expand our impact.
– Fund a Program: Directly support initiatives that resonate with you, such as girls’ education or reproductive health programs.
– Partner with Us: Carry our products in your store, host a fundraiser, or collaborate with us on special projects.
– Shop Our Products: Every purchase directly supports our mission, helping us empower more women and girls.
– Offer Grants: Support our work through grant opportunities to help us scale and reach more communities.
FOUNDERS
Anne Drane and Catherine Mung’ara, both born and raised in Kenya, lead SAWA SAWA with passion and purpose. Anne resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and daughter, while Catherine lives in Nairobi, Kenya, with her husband and three daughters. With business degrees and deep roots in their communities, both founders are dedicated to creating lasting change through sustainable fashion and women’s empowerment.