The Beauty of Rwanda
I found out today that Salha Kaitesi has been nominated as Role Model of the Year in the Women4Africa awards. Having heard her speak about founding her Not-for-Profit Beauty of Rwanda recently, I am not at all surprised. Find out more about this inspirational lady, the inspirational women she works to empower, and the impact she has made in rebuilding a vulnerable community in our latest spotlight blog.
A Life-Changing Visit
Rwandan-born Salha moved to the UK in 2000. A few years later, she returned to her native country for a holiday and to visit relatives. A visit to the local market proved life-changing.
While browsing the local produce and speciality traditional weaving in search of souvenirs, Salha felt a strong compulsion to find out about the craftswomen behind these beautiful products. A local shopkeeper told her the seller would drop off the next order in two days—so Salha got up bright and early to meet Christine for the first time.
Witnessing the Legacy of Genocide
A few days later, Salha traveled to Christine’s village to hear more about the stories behind the boldly coloured jewellery and bowls, crafted carefully and lovingly.
23 years ago, in just 100 days in 1994, 1,000,000 Rwandans were murdered in a horrific act of mass genocide. Women were often targeted in sexual attacks, leaving many with HIV and ongoing trauma. Survivors were left vulnerable, destitute, and without crops or homes.
Empowering Women Through Craft
Without education or training, women had few ways to sustain their families. They used their weaving skills to survive, but the market was saturated and prices were low.
Salha was determined to help. These words stayed with her even after she returned to the UK—she didn’t sleep for weeks!
Birth of Beauty of Rwanda
In 2009, Salha, then “clueless but with a passion,” set up a Facebook page called Beauty of Rwanda to highlight the beauty and empowerment of Rwandan women.
By 2011, she returned to Rwanda with a plan. Through persistent work, she began building an online selling platform. Her efforts quickly gained recognition—winning three awards in her first year of business.
In 2014, Beauty of Rwanda became a Not-for-Profit organisation, enabling it to support the community beyond financial assistance—developing skills, education, and growth opportunities for Rwandan women.
Community Impact
Today, Beauty of Rwanda supports Christine and nearly 60 other women, sustaining a community of around 200 people. Salha urgently needs two trustees passionate about the organisation’s objectives to help move the social enterprise forward. If you can help, email enquiries@beautyofrwanda.org.
Support the Cause
Please click here to browse the striking Beauty of Rwanda products. Treat yourself or a loved one—these gifts truly bless both the maker and the receiver, while being beautiful and affordable.Talbot Jones Risk Solutions is an insurance brokerage specialising in Charity and SME insurance. Do get in touch if you'd value a free insurance review, quotation or advice and we'd be delighted to help you.
