New York fashion powerhouse supports Rwandan products in gaining access to global markets

This was announced Tuesday during a panel discussion on female empowerment through social enterprises, hosted by Kate Spade New York, featuring Rwandan-based company, Abahizi Rwanda.

In opening remarks, RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi noted that Kate Spade New York has brought global expertise and combined it with trained Rwandan women artisans to make globally competitive products.

“Kate Spade New York represents what RDB looks forward to seeing other companies implement in the future. In 2017, Kate Spade New York exported over 1.3 million dollars. Just to give you some perspective, since inception, Rwandan Tea has exported 17 million dollars per year. Now, Kate Spade New York’s 1.3 million dollars within the first three years are largely impressive compared to the 17 million dollars from a company that has been around since colonial time,” she said.

She further expressed her confidence in new milestones to be set in the future.

The handmade tote bags and accessories, which have been produced since 2014, are part of Kate Spade New York’s on purpose program that works with the Rwandan-based company Abahizi Rwanda in Masoro. The program launched in 2013, and since then has employed more than 200 artisans who produce luxury handmade bags and accessories.

According to the Kate Spade New York team, the purpose of the initiative is to give women in Masoro economic and social empowerment and thus transform the surrounding community.

Speaking with IGIHE, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Kate Spade New York, Mary Beech, emphasized that the project was not charity but a business model to create jobs for talented women, and offering them a way to participate in the global marketplace.

“We believe that empowering women is a key component to economic growth and community transformation. We are very encouraged to see women who work at Abahizi Rwanda creating opportunities and change for themselves and others in their community,” said Mary Beech.

The Rwandan-made luxury bags were also spotted at the 75th Golden Globes Awards; this itself is a significant step in the global outreach of made-in-Rwanda products.