Just Do It!

That is the meaning of the Waka Waka in Cameroonian Fang slang, and the spirit in which we invite you to celebrate at Ibu’s International Women’s Day event, on March 7, 2025! The annual event will showcase the rich cultures and crafts across Africa and spotlight the fierce determination of women artisans bringing innovation to entrenched community issues and preserving their heritage artisanal skills. 

Presented by our leading sponsor, Bank of America Private Bank, this year Ibu will host a seated gala, including:

  • African delicacies prepared by celebrated Senegalese chef Bintou N’Daw, shared family-style around the table
  • Remarks from our global champion Beatrice Lempaira of BeadWORKS Kenya, and DyeLab partners Rukky Ladoja and Ozzy Etomi, about the impact of elevating women through the art of their hands
  • A fabulous runway show with the spirited glamor of our partners in design
  • Live music and shopping our latest looks
  • A paddle raise to fund important artisan grants and new initiatives in the year ahead

DETAILS:

When: Friday, March 7, 2025

Time: doors open at 6PM

Where: Festival Hall, Charleston SC

Co-hosted by Carolyn Murray, Judi Embrescia, and Amanda Flynn

Includes 1 individual ticket to the gala on March 7, and an artisan made gift.

Available December 3

Includes VIP reception for 2 guests on March 6, and artisan made gift for all guests.

BUY NOW

Includes VIP reception for 2 guests on 3/6, and 2 tickets to the Mini Summit on 3/7. Artisan made gift for all guests.

BUY NOW

WOMEN IN AFRICA MINI SUMMIT

Ibu will host a three-session mini summit on the morning of March 7, featuring celebrated global leaders on the topics of culture and heritage, artisan design and impact, and women leaders around the continent. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage with the speakers through Q&A sessions at the end of each presentation, and will be able to shop work by Beckwith and Fisher, BeadWORKS, and DyeLab at the Ibu Showroom following the presentations.

The Waka Waka Presenting Sponsor

BEADED CROWN SPONSOR

Woven Narratives Sponsor

Embroidered Boubou Sponsor

About ibu

Global Fashion marketplace

Providing a marketplace for women's artisanal goods is our most effective tool for elevating women out of poverty and into a position of sovereignty over their lives.

learn more

ARTISAN PARTNERS

A small team in Charleston, SC, Ibu collaborates with over 100 women's groups in 40 countries,providing living wages, and because of that, also self-respect, a voice in their communities, and food for their families.

learn more

CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS

We respond to the needs of women’s artisan communities through our grants program, thereby strengthening their internal capacity to grow into self-sufficiency.

learn more