Beautiful, handcrafted, ethically sourced goods that fund microloans for women

Zawadisha

Zawadisha scours the continent of Africa for the most beautiful, exceptionally crafted, and ethically sourced handcrafted goods, supporting local artisans and communities.

Then they invest 100% of sales into their microlending program that has served thousands of women in Kenya.

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A smiling woman in a floral dress and headscarf stands outdoors on red earth near a leafy tree with a large bird nest, holding the Fine Weave Sisal Basket, fair trade from Kenya, under a clear blue sky.
A smiling woman in a colorful dress and headscarf holds the Fine Weave Sisal Basket, featuring pink, green, and beige stripes. She stands outdoors on reddish soil with a tree behind her, showcasing this handcrafted Kenyan basket.
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Zawadisha
Fine Weave Sisal Basket
$58.00
A smiling woman stands outdoors on red soil, holding a Fine Weave Sisal Basket toward the camera. She wears a floral dress and a red decorative shoulder piece, with sparse vegetation under a blue sky in the background.
A smiling woman in a patterned dress stands on red soil, holding the Fine Weave Sisal Basket. She carries a baby wrapped in a red cloth on her back, with a clear blue sky and scattered trees behind her.
Add Fine Weave Sisal Basket to the cart
Zawadisha
Fine Weave Sisal Basket
$58.00
A group of women in colorful dresses and headscarves walk along a dirt path, carrying woven baskets on their backs in a rural setting with trees and dry grass—an authentic scene from the Cycling Safari experience.

Community driven microlending

Jen Gurecki, the owner of Far Out, founded Zawadisha nearly 20 years ago after conducting research for her master's degree in Kenya. Little did she know that while taveling between towns in questionable minibusses, relying on internet cafes to communicate, she would be embarking on her life's work.

What she learned through her research was that the women she worked with had great ambition but lacked the basic tools to help them achieve their goals.

So she cashed in the savings bonds she was gifted from her grandparents (dating herself here) and used those funds to issue the first loans to women.

Today, in addition to funding microloans, Zawadisha partners with co-ops and artisans who specialize in handcrafted pieces that blend local traditions with modern style. All of Zawadisha's goods are ethically made and provide dignified employment, and they continue to fund Zawadisha's microloans.