Blog Archive
Looking Ahead
Why do sustainable bakeries matter? Sustainable bakeries provide a group of women with consistent and growing incomes. That’s job security. And it’s also opportunity. Women can rely on their work at the bakeries and choose where, when, and how to invest their earnings. Sustainable bakeries provide suppliers (farmers) and buyers (shop-keepers) consistent business. That’s micro-economic activity that can self-improve and correct. Sustainable bakeries also provide community members consistent access to nutritious bread. That’s Good business.
Bake & Break
As many are enjoying this break with families and friends, one thing we would love to wish is that you break and bake nutritious breads.
Women's Participation in Economic Development
We believe in women’s capabilities and we work hard to support them in being active citizens and helping them to become breadwinners in their families.
The Power of Two
TWB is built on the spirit of working together as a team. Our team works together really well, and women beneficiaries work together in our respective bakeries because we believe in the power of two.
Our Global Bakery
Philanthropy itself means love of humanity. And this year, St. Louis proved why it is said to be one of the most philanthropic cities in the United States. You, St. Louis, love well, deeply, without border or boundary.
Piloting TWB in the United States
TWB bakeries can (and will) be relevant around the world. Our model – investing in education, women, and business incubation – works because skill development (with a viable product) can act as a catalyst for income generation, empowerment, and education anywhere.
Barriers to Accessing Healthcare in Rwanda
This year, a total of eight women, four husbands, and thirty children will be registered for national healthcare. Thank you to all of our supporters who believe it what we do, the women we work with, and the families and communities they support. We couldn’t do it without you.
TWB LTD Growth in Rwanda
As TWB foresees even more growth in 2017, we gratefully reflect on the growth we have seen from summer 2015 through December 2016. Our Rwanda team is now made up of two American staff and three Rwandan staff, all of whom contribute to TWB’s work in Rwanda in immeasurable ways.
Marketing Challenges in Rwanda: Nutrition vs. Size
As part of our team wraps up an Acumen Course called Marketing to the Bottom of the Pyramid, we hope to increase our understanding of our target customers, and learn how to best market our products to them in a way that resonates and turns potential buyers into regular buyers of our quality, nutritious breads.
Transcending Culture
"Baking, however, is something that transcends culture and language. It’s something that needs only showing, no telling, to share the activity." - TWB Intern, Emily Sturtavant
Why Bread for Breakfast?
Here is the good news - when you take TWB breads for breakfast you are assured that you have eaten a healthful breakfast option. TWB breads are nutritious breads, made using locally available products, and are sold at an affordable price.
What Cows Taught Me About Exclusion
Thank you to our women in Remera who have shown me over the last few weeks how to stand up to those who don’t include others. We need your strength today and everyday.
TWB's Pilot Campus Chapter
Alayna Davis, TWB A&M President, shares about TWB's pilot campus chapter at Texas A&M University. Starting off as a small group of officers, brainstorming what a TWB campus chapter would look like, TWB A&M is now a thriving organization with over 40 members who love and believe in The Women’s Bakery’s mission and vision!
"If You Look, You Will Go Far"
As a woman who has experienced empowerment myself, working with women who need to be empowered is my dream. The opportunity to work with The Women’s Bakery in Rwanda has been truly incredible, and I am able to take part in my dream job.
Interning with Team TWB
"Working with this team, I have learned that even incremental, positive change is a step in the right direction. Working with women to develop a social-enterprise that provides sustainable employment opportunities for women has the tremendous potential for impact in developing countries, especially in East Africa."
Healthy Bakers = Happy Bakers
In Remera, Kigali part of the benefit package for the women working in the bakery is Mutuelle coverage for their whole families. Last week, women were provided funds to sign-up their families. For approximately $160, we were able to insure eight women and their families.
Giving Dough: Giving Tuesday 2016
This year, we aim to raise $25,000 on Giving Tuesday to support our Bakery in a Box Model. Simply put, $25,000 enables us to partner with, train, support, and launch a bakery with a group of 15-20 women and men.
Third Time's A Charm
On Tuesday our Training Facilitators, Aime and Denyse, rolled (no pun intended) into training at the Togetherness Co-op in Ndera, Gasabo District (about 45 minutes outside Kigali). Thanks to the sponsorship of our hiring partner African Road, 12 women and 4 men will be trained over the next few months. This marks our third official training in Rwanda!
Bread, Hands & Flying Money!
At a small-business expo in the Western Province of Rwanda, TWB won THIRD place for our show-case of nutritious bread products. Bread Power. It's a real thing.
Partnering with Sophie & the U.S. Peace Corps
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our newest partnership, with the U.S. Peace Corps. This partnership was facilitated by Peace Corps Volunteer, Sophie Hart. Following the launch of the new bakery, TWB spoke with Sophie about her experiences with the program and how she believes the community bakery can provide both education and economic opportunity for all.