Supporting Women: Judith’s Story

“Sewing is therapy to me. It helps me channel negative energy into beautiful pieces of shareable love." - JUDITH

Obakki founder, Treana Peake, was in Entebbe, Uganda working with the Obakki Foundation when she saw a woman walking down the street sporting the most incredible green bag. She was drawn to that bag and immediately knew that she had to find the creator. And once she tracked Judith down and arranged a meeting, an instant bond was formed.

Judith’s story is not unique, but it is horrifying. Too horrifying to recount here. The act was heinous enough that it sent Judith inside her house – where she remained for years, trying to rebuild her confidence. Trauma of this magnitude is almost impossible to overcome and yet Judith, born a survivor, began sewing these beautiful bags using colourful African kitenge textiles. And with every bag she created, she began to heal a little bit.

We’ve all heard the old adage, ‘Busy hands, busy mind”. Judith somehow instinctively knew that keeping herself busy was the only way she could save herself from replaying that horrific memory again and again inside her head. Treana understood immediately – through our Obakki programs that support women, she has seen many in the region do the exact same thing: Use their hands to heal their hearts. Stay busy. Stay engaged. Stay connected.

A NEW ARTISAN PARTNER

Judith immediately signed on as an Obakki artisan partner. Treana ordered 50 bags on the spot and Judith cried. When Judith offered her price, a price so low it was totally unacceptable, Treana doubled the rate and that became the price going forward.

We heard Judith’s story at the Obakki offices and posted on social media. Thanks to our incredible clients, by the time Treana got on the plane to head for home, all 50 bags were sold. She called Judith and ordered 50 more from the tarmac. “I know dear, I’m making them,” was Judith’s reply. When Treana explained that this was a second order, and that people had heard her story and believed in her, she cried again.

FULL CIRCLE: WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

Today, Judith has hired two women to help her sew – thanks to the demand from our customers, who care where their products come from and who care about the person who made them. By being ethical consumers, our clients have created ripples of healing that extend far beyond Judith herself, who is now supporting other women and helping them heal. Now that she has a sense of purpose and a sense of dignity – and knows that there are people who care about her – this is possible. In fact, anything is possible.