The trip of a lifetime

Nakweni Sisters began five years ago when we embarked on a cross-Atlantic mission trip from Sioux City, Iowa to Tanzania. We went with our hearts and eyes wide open to all that we could experience and be called to.  We found ourselves in a remote Maasai village in Nakweni, home to nearly two dozen families. Here, we discovered a way to turn our passion for coming alongside others into action.

During our time there, we became friends, teachers, and partners with the women we met. We learned so much from one another. It’s truly amazing when we open ourselves up to opportunity, what doors God will open. Not long after boarding our return flight, we began to envision a way to come alongside our new friends and help them work towards their goals.

Six months later we returned to Nakweni and spent intentional time as a group discussing how our vision of a partnership between women in Iowa and remote Tanzania could flourish. Thus, Nakweni Sisters was born. It is a sisterhood of women coming alongside one another with respect, honor, and love. We provide you with the opportunity to purchase and wear extraordinarily beautiful and unique hand-beaded Maasai jewelry and belts.

As you shop with a purpose, you are lifting up women to reach their goals of supporting their families. With Nakweni Sisters-you look stunning and feel amazing knowing you are making a positive impact!

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Empowered women

empowering women

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Why we do it

We love beautiful, unique jewelry as much as the next person, but that’s not where our heart lies. Our heart lies across the Atlantic with the people of Tanzania. Through the Nakweni Sisters Project, we seek to spark positive change, especially where women and girls are concerned. It is our sole purpose to have the women seen as we see them — full of honor, value, determination and beauty. Our mutual goal is to inspire and empower women.

Now that the “Sisters” have begun to establish themselves as providers and contributors, they are viewed as precious members of a greater community. Our “sister” project has gifted two other groups of women the opportunity to raise chickens and goats and sell them for profit. Eventually, we hope to help them open, own, and operate a small local shop of basic goods in their village.

This is a mutual vision we have for the village of Nakweni and for women and girls everywhere — and it’s one you can be a part of. Come along with us as we support and walk alongside one another on this journey.

Meet the Sisters

  • Naishooki John

  • Maria Kimaat

  • Christina Emanuel

  • Natang’amwaki Musaa

  • Nembrice Melau

  • Naisujaki Losotwa

  • Maria Abraham

Learn More