In many rural parts of the world, unemployment is more than a statistic. It is a lived reality that shapes entire communities. In Kenya, where Miriam Bella’s workshops are based, women face even greater barriers to stable income. Cultural expectations, limited access to education, and scarce economic opportunities often leave women excluded from meaningful work.
At Miriam Bella, we believe this is not just a social issue. It is one of the greatest untapped opportunities for impact.
The Ripple Effect of One Job
When a woman secures dignified work, the effects extend far beyond her paycheck.
• Household income increases. Families can afford basic needs like food, healthcare, and clothing.
• Children stay in school. Education becomes possible when school fees can be paid consistently.
• Food security improves. Families can plan meals and avoid the instability of relying on informal work.
• Confidence grows. Financial independence gives women the power to make decisions in their homes and communities.
One job can transform an entire family’s trajectory. When multiple women gain employment, whole communities begin to shift.
Why Women’s Jobs Drive Sustainable Change
Research by the World Bank and UN Women shows that women reinvest the majority of their income, up to 90 percent, back into their families and communities. Men, by comparison, typically reinvest 30 to 40 percent.
This multiplier effect makes women’s employment one of the most effective strategies for poverty alleviation.
But it is more than economics. In patriarchal communities, dignified work creates space for women to step into leadership roles, access training, and challenge traditional limitations. Jobs provide both independence and dignity.
From Aid to Empowerment
Charitable aid often addresses immediate needs but does not always create long-term solutions. Job creation, by contrast, builds a foundation for independence and resilience. It shifts the narrative from dependency to empowerment.
At Miriam Bella, this belief is at the heart of our work. We create handcrafted, limited-edition fashion that carries more than design and craftsmanship. Every pair of espadrilles or handwoven bag represents hours of skilled work and a pathway to opportunity.
Connecting Local Impact to Global Goals
This work is not happening in isolation. It directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
• SDG 1: No Poverty → By providing consistent income to women who might otherwise have none.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality → By employing women in dignified roles and supporting financial independence.
Each product is proof that business can be a driver of global progress.
The Miriam Bella Approach
We are committed to building a model that connects rural workshops to global wardrobes. By creating dignified jobs for women artisans, we aim to demonstrate that fashion can be both beautiful and transformative.
Our vision is clear: to expand employment opportunities, empower more women, and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty one job at a time.
Closing Thought
Why do jobs for rural women matter? Because every job is more than an income. It is food on the table, children in school, dignity restored, and communities transformed.
At Miriam Bella, we are proud to stand for a future where women’s work is not overlooked but celebrated as one of the most powerful forces for change.