The seamstress project “Hope Designers”
Hope Designers is a transformative social enterprise supported by Kar Geno that empowers HIV-positive mothers in Kisumu, Western Kenya, by providing them with training and employment in the fields of tailoring, embroidery, arts, and design. The project is dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with HIV by showcasing the resilience, creativity, and capabilities of HIV-positive women.
Born from a deep desire to help HIV-positive mothers achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods, Hope Designers strives to create a world where women can drive social change through economic empowerment. We believe that every woman deserves the chance to build a future for herself and her family, regardless of her HIV status.
Our Vision:
To empower vulnerable women—especially HIV-positive mothers—by providing them with the skills, resources, and opportunities to achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship and the creation of unique, high-quality products.
What We Do:
In a community where unemployment and poverty disproportionately affect women, Hope Designers offers a path to financial independence. Women in our project are often reliant on male partners for their livelihood, which can lead to deeper poverty, especially in the case of unemployment. Through Hope Designers, we aim to empower women to become self-reliant by equipping them with the skills needed to start and run their own businesses.
Our training program spans six months and covers basic tailoring, cutting, and sewing techniques. Participants can then progress to more advanced training in embroidery, arts, and design, allowing them to expand their skill sets and create beautiful, high-quality products. Once they complete the training, women are supported in starting their own fashion businesses, with resources and ongoing guidance from Kar Geno.
Our Support:
- Business Development Skills: We provide business training and mentorship to help the women launch and manage their own enterprises.
- Resource Mobilization: We work to mobilize funds to assist women in starting their businesses after completing their training.
- Monitoring & Mentorship: We continue to monitor the women’s progress after they begin their businesses and provide ongoing support, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
- Global Exposure & Market Access: Through our network of partner organizations and volunteers, we link women with buyers worldwide. Our team ensures that the products they create meet international standards and market demands, allowing them to tap into global markets.
Our Products:
The products made by Hope Designers are unique, original, and of exceptional quality. From fashion items to embroidery and handcrafted goods, each piece reflects the skill, creativity, and resilience of the women involved in the project. We take pride in the fact that the items are not only beautiful but also have a meaningful impact on the lives of the women who produce them.
Get Involved:
We invite you to see the remarkable work of our women and explore the products they create by visiting our Facebook page. Hope Designers
If you’re interested in becoming a retailer or partner for our products, please contact us for more information on how you can help support this empowering initiative.
Together, we can change lives through economic empowerment.
