Summer Intern Perspectives from Natalie Richards

Dear Ibu Allies,

My name is Natalie Richards, and I was introduced to the Ibu Movement when I worked as an intern during the fall and winter of my junior year of high school. I learned about the mission of the Movement while working in the showroom, steaming clothes, tagging items, and packaging orders. This time at Ibu inspired a research project I completed during my senior year of high school about the colonial history of Morocco. Throughout my research, I was reminded of the importance of Ibu’s efforts to promote women in countries like Morocco. 

Three years later, I returned to Ibu Movement to fulfill a summer internship requirement. I attend college at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where I am studying Art History, Strategic Communications, and Poverty and Human Capability studies. The Poverty Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that examines the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality through a multitude of academic perspectives, while also incorporating community outreach through a summer internship. When I began brainstorming internship opportunities that would address poverty and inequality, Ibu came to mind. I remembered learning about the ways Ibu uses small amounts of capital and a market for goods to combat poverty and inequality and change the lives of women internationally. And I wanted to learn more.

My favorite project this summer involved emailing the leaders of each artisan group currently collaborating with Ibu Movement and compiling information about their organizations. I am grateful for the chance this task gave me to connect with individuals all over the world and gain an understanding of their work. I learned about the number of women each organization supports, specific difficulties they face, and heritage techniques they keep alive through their craft. One particular group, Lula Mena in El Salvador, stood out to me. I enjoyed hearing from its founder, Elsy, about how the women combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs in their craft. She explained how this approach helps to preserve heritage skills, while also allowing women to provide for their households. The women at Lula Mena earn up to four times more than their husbands, according to Elsy, and are often the primary providers of their households, flipping accepted social patterns in the community. 

I enjoyed experiencing the inner workings of the Ibu Movement this summer, and I loved being a part of this kind and uplifting team that works together in pursuit of promoting women globally. Returning to Ibu allowed me to learn more about myself and the strength of women around the world.

With Gratitude,
Natalie Richards
Ibu Summer College Intern, 2024