LOWER EASTERN WOMEN COOPERATIVE UNION

Why LEWOCO Stands Out: Expertise, Excellence, and Growth

July 16, 2025

Weaving Dignity and Income: Inside Ndindye Ngutindye Women Group’s Basket-Making Journey

In the quiet heart of our community, the rhythmic sound of weaving fills the air. At Ndindye Ngutindye Women Group, hands are busy, stories are shared, and purpose is woven into every strand of sisal. The women are hard at work, fulfilling basket orders that have come in from near and far — a clear sign that their craft is being recognized, celebrated, and supported.

This isn’t just basket-making. It’s a movement. A movement built on skill, unity, and resilience.

More Than a Craft

For the women of Ndindye Ngutindye, each basket tells a story — of hard-earned skill, late-night weaving sessions, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Using locally sourced sisal and natural dyes, these women handcraft beautiful, functional baskets that reflect both tradition and creativity.

From vibrant patterns to strong, clean finishes, their products are a perfect blend of cultural heritage and modern taste. Each order fulfilled is not just a product delivered, but a dream sustained.

Building Livelihoods, Strengthening Bonds

With each order, the group earns income that helps support families — from paying school fees to buying food and investing back into their weaving. But the impact goes beyond money. The act of weaving together has strengthened friendships, built confidence, and created a strong support system among the women.

The group has become a space of learning and laughter — where women uplift each other and inspire the next generation to embrace handmade skills.

Orders Keeping Them Busy — and Proud

As demand for eco-friendly and handmade products rises, the women of Ndindye Ngutindye are busier than ever. Recent orders have included customized baskets for events, storage, and decorative use — a testament to their growing reputation.

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“It feels good to see our work appreciated,” says one member, smiling as she adds finishing touches to a colorful basket. “We used to weave for ourselves — now we weave for the world.”

Looking Ahead

The journey is just beginning. With continued support from the community, cooperative networks, and partners, Ndindye Ngutindye Women Group hopes to expand production, explore online marketing, and mentor other women in the region.

These baskets are not mass-produced. They are heart-made — each one carrying a piece of the maker’s story, woven with pride, patience, and purpose.

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Stay tuned as we follow the journey of these incredible women who are not just making baskets — they are weaving futures.

Sisal, Sustainability, and Sisterhood: LEWOCO at the Agroecology Symposium 2024

This year’s Agroecology Symposium 2024 was more than just an event — it was a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the power of communities driving change from the ground up. LEWOCO was proud to be among the exhibitors, showcasing our natural handmade products that are not only beautiful, but rooted in sustainability and tradition.

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At the center of our tent stood our very own Manager — a true symbol of women’s leadership — welcoming visitors, sharing our story, and passionately explaining how LEWOCO is empowering women through value addition and eco-conscious enterprise.

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Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

Our display featured an elegant range of handcrafted products made from sisal twines, all dyed using natural plant-based dyes. These aren’t just items — they’re symbols of sustainable livelihoods. By turning locally available materials into marketable crafts, our members are building income-generating opportunities that respect both people and planet.

Why Natural Matters

At LEWOCO, we believe in using what nature provides — responsibly. Our natural dyes come from plants and roots traditionally used in our communities, ensuring that our products are safe, biodegradable, and aligned with agroecological values. No chemicals, no shortcuts — just nature’s own colors, infused with care.

Every color, every weave, every knot carries a story — of women coming together to learn, share, and grow.

More Than Just a Tent

Our participation in the symposium wasn't just about selling products. It was about sharing a vision. A vision where women in rural Kenya are not left behind but are leading the way in climate-resilient livelihoods. Where cooperatives aren’t just economic tools, but communities of learning, solidarity, and strength.

We engaged with fellow farmers, innovators, policy makers, and civil society partners — exchanging ideas on agroecology, sustainable markets, and the role of grassroots women’s groups in transforming food systems.

What’s Next for LEWOCO?

As we move forward, we are more energized than ever to expand our reach. We aim to train more women, explore new eco-friendly techniques, and grow our market presence both locally and beyond.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to have been part of Agroecology 2024. We carry back not just contacts and compliments — but a renewed belief that local solutions led by women can shape a more sustainable, equitable world.

Follow us to see what we’re working on next — because at LEWOCO, every thread we weave is a thread of hope.