Margaret’s Story: From Dreams to Reality
Mama Margaret has eight children. And like any mother, her greatest wish is for them to be happy, healthy and have everything they need.
Today, this dream has come true. Since Margaret joined ME to WE Artisans, she now has a market for her traditional Maasai beading, a skill passed down from generation to generation of Maasai women.
But it wasn’t always this way. Margaret was unable to attend school growing up—common to many Maasai girls, who are expected to remain at home to help their families until entering into marriage. A lack of education means Margaret has limited skills, which makes it difficult for her to find work outside of her home. And though Margaret is married, it can be difficult for her husband to provide for their large family on his single income—especially in times of drought, when access to food and water becomes scarce.
Now, Margaret earns a sustainable income year-round through ME to WE Artisans, and is proud to say she is able to help support her family and give them everything they need.
“With my Artisans earnings, I buy food and clothing for my children,” says Margaret. “The majority of my children are girls, and girls like good things!”
Margaret even runs her own “duka” with her ME to WE Artisans earnings—a shop where she sells products like soap and sugar.
Margaret always knew she would be “a family woman,” who would care for and support a large family. But today, her life has changed more than she ever thought it could.
“Now, I am a business lady!” says Margaret. “These changes would not have happened if Artisans beading wasn’t around.”
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