Celebrating International Women’s Day and the hands that create
We celebrate all the incredible women across our network — artisans, creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs who show remarkable dedication, skills, and resilience every day. Their work drives meaningful change in their communities, creating opportunities for other women and for the next generation. Today, people around the world recognize women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while also being reminded of the need to accelerate gender equality.
The Women of EFI’s network of social enterprises are involved in different artisan communities across Africa, actively working and skilled in crafts like sewing, beading, metal and brass hardware, weaving, engraving, leather work, and spinning. Their engagement goes beyond handcrafting products; they contribute across the value chain as leaders, managers and business owners. Together, these women build economically strong and socially connected local communities that continue to grow over time.
We are proud to stand alongside these inspiring women and remain committed to empowering them through sustainable work, fair opportunities, and global visibility. Together, we continue to prove that when women thrive, entire communities flourish.
To mark International Women’s Day, we gave the floor to the incredible women from our network in Kenya, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Through their words, they share what drives them, the challenges they face, and the pride they take in their craft.
Interview with Lilian Mukami Kahiro, Kenya
Co-founder, Tujikuze Ethical Fashion Initiative & Founder, Ushindi Women Group. Through her leadership, the group empowers women with sustainable job opportunities while fostering economic independence and community support.
EFI: What message do you have for women around the world?
Lilian: The message I have for the women around the world is that they should be strong, creative and resilient. Women working together can bring peace and prosperity to the whole planet and the rise of women is not about the fall of men.
EFI: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Lilian: I would describe myself as a Virtuous woman.
EFI: What makes you feel unstoppable?
Lilian: Witnessing the many lives that have been changed through what I do makes me unstoppable.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
Lilian: I am proud to be a woman because the female bond is so strong and having worked with women, when women support women incredible things have happened.
What empowers you as a woman?
Lilian: What empowers me as a woman is the unique combination of strengths, talents and abilities which l use to create life, support others, and make a positive impact in my community and in the world.
Interview with Pacy KADIO-MOROKRO, Côte d’Ivoire
Pacy is an Entrepreneur and the Co-founder of Studio 4, Abidjan.
EFI: What message do you have for women around the world?
Pacy: Dream big!
EFI: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Pacy: Quiet strength
EFI: How has your job changed your life?
Pacy: It’s a blessing to be able to do what you love, I quickly followed my vision, I think I’m on my life mission, right in my place, helping through my job
EFI: How do you feel when you create something with your hands?
Pacy: I feel like I’m adding a piece to the puzzle of my legacy
EFI: What empowers you as a woman?
Pacy: Having a different perception of the world, which is only strength and capital and the will to transmit it to children, who will be the adults of tomorrow.
Interview translated from French.
Interview with Jeanne Tankouaou, Benin
Jeanne Tankouaou, is a weaver and president of a weaving atelier called TINFI, from Tanguiéta in Benin. Founded in 2023, this atelier offers workshops in weaving and dyeing, and has 50 members. Photo by Shawn Newson
EFI: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Jeanne: It would be devotion.
EFI: What motivates you to keep creating every day?
Jeanne: The desire to surpass my limits that motivates me to create every day.
EFI: What does being an artisan mean to you?
Jeanne: Being an artisan, to me, means working with my own hands to create objects using materials from my environment.
EFI: What do you feel when you create something with your hands?
Jeanne: I often feel an indescribable pride when I see a product made by my hands serving a purpose.
EFI: What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome on your journey?
Jeanne: The biggest challenge I have overcome in my journey is starting from scratch and reviving within myself the craft that now defines me as an artisan.
Interview translated from French.
Interview with Jane Karimi, Kenya
Co-founder, Tujikuze Ethical Fashion Initiative & Founder, SATUBO Women Group. Through artisan beadwork, Jane promotes peace and collaboration among artisan groups, fostering unity instead of conflict.
EFI: What message do you have for women around the world?
Jane: As women, We’re game changers and whatever we do, let’s do it with passion with the aim of changing the world.
EFI:If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Jane: Innovative
EFI: How do you feel when you create something with your hands?
Jane: I feel so good when I create something with my hands since I get to empower other people with the skills I innovate individually.
EFI: What makes you proud to be a woman?
Jane: My engagement in different types of work perceived to belong to men alone.
What empowers you as a woman?
Jane: My achievements. I am motivated by the saying “what a man can do a woman can do better”.
Interview with Djélia Sakande Konate, Burkina Faso
Djélia Sakande Konate, is a weaver and president of a weaving atelier called COFATEX, from Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Founded in 2005, this atelier offers workshops in weaving and dyeing, and has 17 members.
EFI: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Djélia: I am an artisan, president of COFATEX (Coopératives Faso Textiles) and a woman.
EFI: What motivates you to keep creating every day?
Djélia: The pride I take in my work and the ability to sell and compete in both national and international markets.
EFI: How has your craft changed your life?
Djélia: My craft has changed my life because I have become a working woman, who is no longer confined to the home. I am not a housekeeper; I am a woman who works to support herself.
EFI: What makes you feel unstoppable?
Djélia: What makes me feel unstoppable is my family and the underprivileged men and women around me—those who struggle to meet their needs. I must help them move forward and find joy.
Interview translated from French.
EFI is thankful to be working with all these inspirational women.
