Rwandan cooperative allows women to stitch together a livelihood

A large, white building perched on a hill above the village of Rutongo houses the heart of KORUM, an all-female cooperative in Rwanda that has transformed the lives of 21 women. Inside, sunlight streams through windows illuminating rows of tables where embroiderers work in quiet concentration. Their needles move swiftly across fabric, creating intricate designs that depict savanna animals, women, and colorful beetles. The cooperative, founded by French siblings Véronique and Pascale Gamard along with their cousin Solange, has become a beacon of hope and economic empowerment for these women. KORUM's origins trace back to a time of immense hardship. In the wake of the 1994 genocide, which claimed an estimated 800,000 lives, many of the women who now form its core membership were trained in embroidery by Belgian nuns operating a workshop adjacent to the Rutongo Catholic parish. That training laid the foundation for a craft that would later evolve into a powerful tool for recovery and resilience. In 2012, the Gamards and their cousin revived the workshop, launching the embroidery and clothing brand Ibaba, named after the Kinyarwanda phrase meaning “bird wings.” Ibaba serves as KORUM’s primary client, providing a steady market for the women’s handiwork. Each weekday, the women of KORUM gather at the cooperative, often walking more than an hour to reach the workshop. In a nation where over half the population lives below the poverty line, their ability to earn a living independently represents a rare opportunity. Despite Rwanda’s progress in gender equality, including women holding over 60% of parliamentary seats due to quotas and reforms, structural barriers persist. Women remain largely confined to low-paying agricultural jobs and face challenges accessing formal employment and financial services. Yet, the women of KORUM defy these limitations, stitching together not just fabric but a path toward self-reliance. Alphonsine Nyiraminani, KORUM’s president, embodies the spirit of this transformation. Her purple dress catches the light as she emerges from a backroom, her presence commanding respect. She takes pride in her role, acknowledging the weight of responsibility it entails. At home, she is the main breadwinner, while her husband works shifts in a mine. Once a farmer, she found her calling in embroidery, a skill honed during her time in the nuns' workshop. Now, she confidently allocates household funds, ensuring her children receive education and that their basic needs are met. Recently, she purchased a television, a symbol of tangible success, for her family. Nyiraminani’s journey reflects the broader impact of KORUM. She shares moments of joy with her co-workers, describing the simple pleasure of walking home together, exchanging stories and laughter. These interactions highlight the social bonds formed within the cooperative, reinforcing both personal and collective strength. For many, the act of embroidery is more than a job, it is a lifeline, a way to reclaim agency in a society still grappling with the scars of the past. Judith Bapfaguheka, another member, specializes in depicting giraffes, a motif she finds particularly meaningful. Her work, like that of her peers, carries cultural significance, echoing the landscapes and wildlife of Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Each piece tells a story, woven with care and purpose. Pélagie Nyiraneza, who learned embroidery in the nuns’ workshop, echoes similar sentiments. She credits her work with KORUM with enabling her to afford a television, a luxury that underscores the tangible benefits of their efforts. The women of KORUM continue to stitch their way forward, blending tradition with innovation. As they walk home from the workshop, their steps are steady, their voices filled with shared purpose. Through their hands, they create not only art but also a future, one embroidered with resilience, dignity, and hope.