Gahaya Links - 2 Artisan Story - Rwanda

Handwoven Agaseke baskets are an old tradition from the Rwandan culture. WomenGHY-artisan-3 have been known to have woven these baskets since ancient times. These baskets were used as grain storage, gifts during family celebrations, and to carry secrets by women.  

Gahaya Links was founded by two sisters, Joy Ndunguste and Janet Nkubana, 10 years after the infamous genocide of 1994. From a modest beginning of about 20 women, today the company works with 4000 women weavers who are part of 52 saving cooperatives weaving Agaseke baskets.

The objectives of Gahaya Link as a women’s organization are to create economic opportunities for the people of Rwanda, socio-economic empowerment for the women in the community and inculcate a feeling of unity and oneness amongst the members of the company.

GHY-artisan-8Gahaya Links was incorporated as the first handicraft export company in Rwanda and has partnered with large and small retailers across the United States. These unique hand woven baskets are a signature product exported by Gahaya Links to different parts of the world. The company has won many awards and acclaims for its phenomenal work with the poor and marginalized women from Rwanda.