Kamwine Phionah is a devoted mother of four wonderful children. She is a graduate of Makerere University and a founder of Woven Stories, a social enterprise that’s transforming lives through the art of weaving. Her weaving journey deeply rooted in a desire to create sustainable livelihoods within her community.
Phiona established Woven Stories in 2017 as a result of her personal love for weaving and her keen observation of its potential to uplift individuals. ‘ Unlike many ventures requiring substantial capital and complex infrastructure, weaving relies on locally sourced materials and can be practiced almost anywhere’. Phiona explained. ‘Therefore i saw this as a unique opportunity to empower individuals, particularly women, who often face limited employment prospects.’ The organization prioritizes local sourcing, contributing to the financial growth of the surrounding community. “We ensure we get all our material within thus contributing to financial growth.
The heart of Woven Stories lies in its handcrafted wooden pieces, each, a testament to the artisans’ skill and creativity. “These speak the whole heart out,” Phionah says. “You put to paper what you feel and the African touch around them is to die for.” These pieces are not merely decorative; they are vessels of personal expression and cultural heritage, imbued with the spirit of the artisans who create them.
Phionah and her team actively participate in collaborations, recognizing the invaluable benefits of shared knowledge and expanded market access. ” There is a lot of exposure thus a growth in market,” she notes, emphasizing the tangible outcomes of collaborative efforts.
Within the organization, teamwork and empowerment are paramount. “Yes, a whole deal,” Phionah affirms, underscoring the collaborative spirit that permeates Woven Stories. Every member is a team player, contributing to the collective success. Moreover, the organization encourages financial literacy and entrepreneurship, empowering individuals to save and even start their own businesses. “Everyone is a team player in the process and we encourage saving and even starting up new other businesses since one can weave from anywhere including their founded businesses,” she explains.
Phionah is deeply committed to community outreach and education. Woven Stories conducts sensitizations, particularly with youth, to promote weaving as a viable and sustainable livelihood.By providing individuals with the skills and opportunities to create, she is empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their families.
However, Phionah acknowledges the challenges of working within a community where a culture of dependency sometimes prevails. “Biggest challenge is the dependency syndrome where the people would rather have free things instead of working,” she admits, highlighting the need to cultivate a mindset of self-reliance and empowerment.
Despite these challenges, Phionah remains optimistic about the future of weaving in Uganda. “It’s promising,” she says. “We are sure there is going to be a time when it will be a big hit since the locals and the world at large is embracing it.” She believes that the growing appreciation for handcrafted goods, both locally and globally, will create significant opportunities for weavers.
She views the weaving industry in Uganda as being in a nascent stage, full of potential. “It’s at a take off stage. We only need to be consistent and persistent,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication in building a sustainable enterprise.
Her advice to aspiring weavers and entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “You have to be creative and be good at your game.” She emphasizes the importance of innovation, skill development, and unwavering dedication in achieving success.
Through Woven Stories, Phiona is preserving a traditional craft and also weaving a brighter future for her community. Her commitment to local sourcing, community engagement, and sustainable practices makes her a true leader in the Ugandan artisan sector. Her work demonstrates the transformative power of creativity and the enduring impact of empowering individuals to build their own destinies.
