About Us
Chloe Stewart Collective is a social enterprise that teaches hand-embroidery skills to women in Kenya, improving livelihoods, one stitch at a time.
We work closely with local partners, including UCESCO Africa based in Kayole, Nairobi to equip local women with the skills they need to generate a decent and sustainable income.
About Kayole
Kayole is a low-income neighbourhood in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. A large number of residents in Kayole are unemployed, live in poverty, and can barely raise $1 a day.
Our work is focused specifically in the smaller neighbourhood of Kayole Soweto, an informal settlement which has historically been plagued by criminal gangs, kidnappings, armed robberies and child trafficking.
This instability, combined with general social issues of poverty and lack of education, has rendered many families unemployable, especially widows and women-led households.
About the Process
Chloe visited Kayole Soweto's settlement once a week for two months, teaching nine women how to hand-embroider different fabrics with different stitches.
As the embroiderers grow their skills, they are commissioned to work with Chloe to embroider hand-made products. Others will continue learning under her tutelage every week, practising their embroidery skills by working on the fabric packaging of the goods.
All the women are paid a fair rate for their work and are now earning a sustainable wage.
About Skylit
Skylit Centre is a flagship women-empowerment programme run by UCESCO Africa, based in Kayole Soweto. The centre is a dynamic community initiative aimed at empowering women through skills, training and entrepreneurship. Here, women gather to learn new skills such as clothing production and beauty services, through peer-to-peer learning and international volunteer engagement.
At Skylit Center, women harness their creativity and talent to produce high-quality clothing items. Through collaborative efforts and shared expertise, they not only create beautiful garments but also generate income to support themselves and their families.
By teaching hand embroidery to this group of women, Chloe Stewart Collective aims to take their imagination and talent to the next level, while offering guidance on their projects.
High-quality products, handmade by women in Kenya who face barriers to work.
Creating opportunities and improving livelihoods one stitch at a time.