How to Empower a Community Through Fashion
Updated: Mar 8
Meet Siamanda Chege- and see how she is making a social impact for women and girls in Nakura, Kenya.
Bébéravi was founded in 2004 by Siamanda Chege when she returned to her homeland of Kenya and was overwhelmed by the social and economic conditions. She felt compelled to take action and give back to her community in a sustainable way, thus deciding the best strategy to generate employment through a for-profit enterprise. As founder and C.E.O, a retired fashion model and mother of two girls, Siamanda personally designs the Bébéravi collection and works with reputable fashion and interior brands to employ artisans and develop meticulously handcrafted collections. Chege is also the founder of the Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage which provides shelter, food, healthcare, psychological and emotional support, as well as education up to college for over 25 Kenyan children. A percentage of Bébéravi’s revenue goes back into the community through Chege Village.
SOCIAL IMPACT COMMUNITY EMPOWERING THE LIVES OF WOMEN IN KENYA
Beberavi's mission is to provide jobs and job training within the apparel and home industries. Currently, Beberavi employs 150 women in Nakuru, Kenya. This is an area with an unemployment rate of over 40%. Many of the women have been widowed by the AIDS epidemic and are the sole source of income for their families. Beberavi encourages the women to negotiate their pay scale and empowers them with wages that are well above average in this community. This empowerment not only provides stability for their lives but success for their children’s futures. When you provide women with a stable, safe, and secure work environment you improve the entire community. Beberavi also provides free meals to all its employees. Due to the current pandemic, there are new safety protocols in place and all precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the women while they work.
In 2006 Siamanda created the clothing and accessories line, BébéRavi, to address the lack of employment opportunities for women in a country where rural unemployment for females is over 50%.
Beberavi employs local village women to create high-end clothing and home decor sold to an international market. 75% of the ladies have been widowed by the devastating AIDS epidemic and are the sole breadwinners in their homes.
Current and previous clients include Oscar de la Renta, Kate Quinn Organics, Adam Lippes, Barneys, FAO Swartz, Post Imperial, Bergdorf Goodman, Lemlem, ABC home and carpet, and Calypso to name a few outlets.
How can you support Beveravi? Consider purchasing Special items for a gift this holiday season. 50% of the sale will go directly to the Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage. the are available now.
1. Hand Woven hampers
2. Hand Woven Basket/Vase
3. Hand Beaded Bracelets
4. Hand Beaded pillows
Siamanda lives between New York City and Kenya. Her work has been featured on MSNBC, CBS, WWD, Huffington Post, Milkshake, Tonic, and others.
www.beberavi.com Chegeorphans.com
Support Beberavi today!
For our readers, Siamanda is offering a special Pre-Holiday sales event. There are specialty-made items by the women in her artisan makers.
To make a purchase and support Beberavi, please send a note to design@insidefashiondesign with the items you are interested in. We will put you in touch with Siamanda directly and she can personalize a package just for you or that special someone.
Consider supporting Beberavi today. Each purchase will not only make an impact on the artisans of this community but also on that special someone on the receiving end of the gift!
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