Walk into the Mend workshop in Gulu, Uganda and the energy in the room is immediately palpable. Upbeat music plays in the background as groups of seamstresses gather around their workspaces.
Mend is a social enterprise that, through the creation of handbags, empowers women affected by the LRA conflict. Each day, 22 seamstresses are joined in their bustling workshop by a small, but dedicated group of staff members who ensure that operations at Mend run smoothly.
James Owiny is Mend’s quality control assistant. James previously worked as a tailoring and garment cutting instructor for four years. He has been working at Mend since August 2012.
“I love my job,” he said, while inspecting one of Mend’s newest products, the Mini Messenger bag. “In the process of performing my job, I like that I cooperate with many of the staff members and work towards the same goals.”
James’ says that one of his favorite days on the job was the celebration held earlier this year to welcome Mend’s project manager, Annah Mason.
Annah manages the day-to-day operations of Mend, including a range of responsibilities such as product development, production, and psychosocial programming.
“On any given day I’m thinking about everything from the aesthetic of our products to consumerism that connects individuals to education and skills trainings that will empower our seamstresses outside of production hours,” she said.
Annah joined the ICU family in June and continues to enjoy many aspects of her new community.
“My favorite part of the job is being part of a community that’s mission-motivated, hardworking, vibrant, and fun,” Annah said. “Every so often we take a break just to dance together.”
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