About Us.
Welcome to Kenya Quilts For Empowerment (KQFE), where resilience meets transformation, and every stitch tells a story of empowerment.
At KQFE, we are more than just a non-profit organization; we are a beacon of hope, dedicated to uplifting and empowering women, fistula survivors, and young sexual assault survivors in Luanda sub-county, Vihiga County, Kenya.
Through our innovative programs and holistic approach, we strive to foster economic independence, restore dignity, and ignite lasting change in the lives of those we serve.
Our Story starts way back in 2015...
Imagine arriving in Eldoret, Kenya, with a bag filled with quilting supplies and a heart full of hope. This is the story of Mary Ann, who in October 2015 embarked on a mission to empower obstetric fistula survivors through the art of quilting. Partnering with the Fistula Foundation and the Gynocare Fistula Center, Mary Ann set out to teach these women not just the craft of quilting, but also the path to economic independence.
What Mary Ann discovered upon her arrival was both heartbreaking and inspiring. None of the women she met had ever sewn by hand, drawn a picture, or operated a sewing machine. Undeterred, she began teaching them simple embroidery stitches and applique techniques, allowing them to express their stories and experiences through quilts. Just like the renowned quilts of Gees Bend, these creations were deeply personal, born from the women’s own lives and imaginations.
It is at Eldoret that MaryAnn met Norah Otondo and Christine Fox. Norah is the Kenyan program director and founder of KQFE. Being a fistula survivor she was enthusiastic to learn stitching and soon she became the guru of stitching and teaching quilting too. Norah had a passion and dream of taking care of young vulnerable girls.
Having seen many young sexual assaulted girls who had nowhere to go but to the very traumatic environs they had come from, she thought of doing something which bore the KQFE CBO geared towards giving young assaulted girls a safe haven. Together with MaryAnn and Christine Fox, this dream came to reality when KQFE CBO was formed and registered in 2018 to give a safe home, hope and love to the young assaulted girls and do economic empowerment for fistula women.
As word spread, the demand for these unique art quilts grew, becoming a significant source of revenue for Kenya Quilts For Empowerment (KQFE). Alongside other products like table mat sets and tote bags, these quilts found eager buyers at churches, quilt shows, and bazaars. This success enabled QFE to register as a nonprofit in the US in 2017 and establish a Kenya-based Community Based Organization in 2018.
In 2019, buoyed by the financial stability of the quilting program, KQFE expanded its mission to provide housing and education for girls who have experienced gender-based violence. This expansion would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our Kenya leadership team, dedicated board members, generous donors, passionate volunteers, and steadfast supporters.
As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has played a part in empowering women and girls in Kenya. Together, we have turned quilting needles into instruments of change, stitching hope and opportunity into the fabric of their lives. With your continued support, we look forward to shaping an even brighter future for those we serve. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey with Kenya Quilts For Empowerment.
Achievements
Our partners
