Ineza Cooperative: Addressing The Holistic Needs of HIV+ Women Through Economic Development

Ineza is a women’s sewing cooperative in Kigali, Rwanda that produces high quality, hand-made bags, accessories, and home decor items. Drawing on a system of collective decision-making and management, the 25-member, all-female staff of Ineza have developed a small business model which generates income for employees while also providing them with  a community of mutual support and opportunities for continuing education. This innovative use of a business  enterprise to foster a sense of community, guarantee a living wage, and address the holistic needs of staff members,  puts Ineza on the vanguard of both the “ethical fashion” and  “sustainable development” movements. Consumers can rest assured that the purchases they make at Ineza are socially responsible—providing much-needed income to women whose collective work is a source of personal empowerment and economic development in their local community.