Just Do It!
That is the meaning of the Waka Waka in Cameroonian Fang slang. On March 7, 2025, Ibu celebrated International Women’s Day with a gala dinner and fashion show. The events showcased the rich cultures and crafts across Africa and spotlighted the fierce determination of women artisans bringing innovation to entrenched community issues and preserving their heritage artisanal skills.
The gala was presented by Bank of America Private Bank.
A paddle raise and live auction raised over $300,000 to fund important artisan grants and new initiatives in the year ahead
WOMEN IN AFRICA MINI SUMMIT
In addition to the gala event, Ibu hosted 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. Speakers included Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, celebrated photographers of African culture for over 40 years; Beatrice Lempaira, Ibu's 2025 Global Champion from Kenya, in conversation with Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the International African American Museum; and Hafsat Abiola with Pat Mitchell, co-founders of Project Dandelion, an international platform organizing women into a force for sustainable development. The event was moderated by Carolyn Murray, news anchor at WCBD News2 in Charleston.
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.
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.
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.
