Liya Kebede & empowering Ethiopian women
Since its creation in 2007, Liya Kebede’s brand Lemlem has aimed to preserve
traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques while providing stable jobs for women.
Lemlem is contributing to Ethiopia’s economic growth, which has averaged 10% annually, by focusing on slow, ancestral techniques. Every Lemlem garment is handmade by Ethiopian artisans, who have inherited these skills through generations.
By upholding the ancient Ethiopian clothing process, Lemlem not only preserves cultural heritage but also ensures fair wages for these women. In addition to generating employment opportunities, Lemlem actively gives back to Ethiopian and Kenyan communities through the Lemlem Foundation.
With each purchase, 5% of the proceeds go towards training artisans and supporting AMREF African Health (AMREF: the African Medical and Research Foundation). AMREF believes that the power to transform Africa’s health lies within its communities, and therefore, strives to ensure that health systems are not only functional but that communities are empowered to hold these systems accountable for the delivery of quality and affordable health care.
AMREF has been active in Ethiopia since the 1960s, working through their European and North American network of sister organizations on program implementation, advocacy, fundraising and partnerships. AMREF subsidiaries include AMREF Flying Doctors, AMREF Enterprises Limited and the AMREF International University.
Liya emphasizes that Lemlem’s mission goes beyond creating a brand; it is about
changing lives and making a positive impact on entire communities.
Sources: borgenmagazine.com/jobs-for-women-in-ethiopia/ and amref.org/ethiopia/who-we-are/