Ibulliance: Up Close and Personal

As the chief marketing officer at Ibu, my job is to tell stories and share with our Movement the remarkable women with whom we partner. I am always thrilled to be able to convey the skill these women innately possess, the impact that earning a living for their work has on their lives, the preservation of their heritage craft which holds their cultural and personal histories. Even more exciting is when an opportunity arises to connect our allies and our artisan partners in a direct way, removing myself as the intermediary. 

The chance to hear directly from women leaders who are transforming lives I find transforms the listener as well. Artisan Engagement, one of the four pillars anchoring our mission, is achieved through Ibu trips and events, where these women are front and center and their voices loud and clear. Ask any Fringe Road traveler or Ibu ally who has joined one of our International Women’s Day events, and I imagine you’ll hear a similar response.

Despite language barriers and cultural diversity, we find connection through our shared experiences. During our 2023 Colombiana! artisan conversation at the Charleston Library Society, the room was rapt as Chefa stood and shared in her native tongue her struggles growing up in a Wayuu community in which women and girls were expected to follow a traditional path of motherhood and homemaking. The other artisans on stage translated her hopes and dreams to educate girls in her community and show them the opportunities that exist for their futures. As she finished speaking, the audience erupted in a standing ovation, understanding her plight and celebrating her success. 

Our Fringe Road travelers in Kenya had the opportunity to meet BeadWORKS gender director, Beatrice Lempaira, and hear from a star beader named Meroni, who told us that through her beading she earned an income allowing her to send her daughters to school and make other financial decisions in her home. She gained self-respect and confidence, empowering her to renegotiate her relationship with her husband and to run for public office, so that she might advocate for other women. Once a shy figure, our travelers saw a leader emerging in Meroni.

Susan Hull Walker in Kenya with Meroni, far right, and Beatrice, behind.

This March, during our International Women’s Day celebrations, we’ll honor Beatrice Lempaira along with a BeadWORKS star beader on a panel to discuss preserving cultural heritage and the impact of economic empowerment through artisan craft. I can’t wait to meet them and learn more of their stories. 

I encourage you not to miss this occasion to connect with Beatrice and the other incredible speakers who will present at our Women in Africa Mini Summit on March 7 as part of The Waka Waka celebrations. Their strong voices and impressive efforts to elevate women and celebrate craft will inspire and ignite your own aspirations to build a better tomorrow. Don’t take my word on it, come hear theirs!

With Gratitude,
Lasley Steever
Chief Marketing Officer