Women Uplifting Women: Cabi Visits RefuSHE
RefuSHE was honored to receive a donation of over 1,000 pieces of clothing from the Heart of cabi Foundation for the young women in our Girls’ Empowerment Program and Safe House in Nairobi, Kenya. To celebrate this partnership, a few stylists from cabi stopped by RefuSHE’s campus during an East African trip this fall. We were thrilled to host them, and are excited to share the story of their time at RefuSHE, as told by Sandra, one of the gracious cabi women who joined us that day.
In late September, I had the opportunity to visit RefuSHE in Nairobi, Kenya. The visit to the campus was the first stop on a 10-day trip that would change the core of who I am as a person. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a palpable energy that great things were being accomplished in this place. Adele Nandan, VP of Business Development & External Relations, had prepared us with some information about RefuSHE and the women and children who are aided by this mission.
When we first arrived on the campus, we were welcomed by the CEO and COO of RefuSHE. They shared the background of the organization and the heartbreaking stories of how and why the refugee girls ended up in their program. When we were done with the overview, I expected to feel sadness and pity when it was time to meet the girls and their young children however, the exact opposite is what I experienced. First and foremost, many of the girls were wearing the clothes that were donated by cabi. This made my heart smile.
We were then surprised with a fashion show that highlighted the best part of RefuSHE – the strong young women who have overcome so much to be in this place. We saw outfits that have been created by the girls and learned about how they are reconciling their past in order to pave a bright future for themselves and their children. The girls are taught tailoring and tie-and-dye skills as part of their therapy, as well as to teach them a skill that can lead to economic independence. These women, both on the runway and watching the show from the seats, exuded joy and possibility. Their smiles brought me joy and I was drawn in by the hope and confidence that they portrayed in something as simple as a runway walk. I saw girls who have gone through so much and have a strength that some of us could only dream of.
After the fashion show, we toured the facility and saw classrooms, tailoring workshops, and where they create the scarves with the tie-and-dye process. We ended our visit with one-on-one time with the girls. We were able to ask questions, talk about their dreams for their lives, and share words of encouragement. The girls then presented each of us with a scarf that was dyed in cabi colors!
The work of RefuSHE is truly saving and enriching lives. I felt honored to be standing on their campus and next to people who have devoted their lives to the transformative work of aiding refugee girls and young women. I was immediately inspired to be more and to do more for those who have walked a road much more challenged than my own. I am so excited to know RefuSHE – the work they are doing in Kenya will have a lasting impact for generations!