In the Rwenzori Mountains, women face extreme challenges due to high altitudes and difficult terrain, especially when dealing with pregnancy complications. In 2024, we successfully trained a midwife through a four-year medical program, enabling her to serve women in this remote area. She has now graduated and is stationed in the mountains, offering crucial care before it’s too late. In 2025, we plan to build a medical emergency facility to further support these women. 

This year, we partnered with co-ops in Uganda and South Sudan to train local communities on the benefits of harvesting natural ingredients like shea butter and balanite. These raw ingredients, which are key to our Obakki Skincare collection—help combat deforestation and empower women by creating sustainable jobs. All of our skincare products are crafted in Canada from these ethically sourced ingredients.

Living in the Kibera Slums is difficult as it is - let alone when you are based out of a small one-room workshop with no ventilation. We're working with an inspiring group of artisans in Kibera to provide safe working conditions through a new workshop so that the artisans can work in a healthy environment, focus on their business and designs while growing together as a team.

Our artisans' future security is important to us, therefore we helped to facilitate a sustainable local livelihood first, ensuring these artisans were not solely dependent on us. With more than 600 pots sold locally and internationally, with a feature in The New York Times, the village of Akiliba is standing strong - providing for themselves through their ancient craft.