ABOUT GAAFAADE
GAAFAADE is a Rwandan fashion brand founded in 2012, inspired by the country’s rich cultural heritage. Our high-quality clothing and accessories fuse traditional Rwandan styles with modern fashion trends. Each garment is made with care using locally-sourced materials and fabrics, blending 1000 hills’ craftsmanship with contemporary design. Our logo is a symbol of hope, pride, resilience, luxury and status, and we are proud to promote Rwanda’s cultural heritage through our fashion designs.
FOUNDER
As the founder of GAAFAADE, I’ve always been passionate about fashion and the way it can empower people and communities. But when I learned about the challenges faced by teen mothers in Rwanda, I knew I had to do something to help. These young women face immense difficulties as they try to navigate their new roles as mothers while also dealing with social stigma, poverty, and limited opportunities.
Having a high rate of teen pregnancy in Rwanda, 19,701 cases in 2020, we noticed that there is no future in this situation. Also, knowing that 18% of women in our country don’t get access to sanitary pads during their periods and that this results to loss of schools and jobs. In GAAFAADE, we decided turn this challenge into opportunity. Affordable sanitary pads making is also the big cause.
That’s why I founded GAAFAADE as a way to empower these young women by providing them with the skills and resources they need to build a better future for themselves and their families. We are proud to create beautiful, high-quality clothing and accessories that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda while also providing opportunities for these teen mothers to gain valuable tailoring skills and earn a sustainable income.
We believe that fashion can be a force for positive change, and we are committed to using our platform to promote the dignity, resilience, and strength of these young women. By wearing GAAFAADE, you’re not just supporting a fashion brand – you’re helping to create a brighter future for the next generation of Rwandan women.
WHY & WHAT
The main story behind our brand is to support and reintegrate vulnerable teen mothers in Rwanda. Through advocacy of their challenges and providing them with fashion and tailoring skills, we aim to restore hope and dignity for these young women. At GAAFAADE, we believe that every individual has the potential to thrive, given the right resources and support. That’s why a percentage of our revenue from every garment sold goes towards supporting these vulnerable young mothers in different corners of Rwanda. The big mission is to empower women through fashion and help them build a better future for themselves and their families especially their babies. We do this by providing training and employment opportunities to young mothers who have been marginalized and excluded from society.
Our fashion designs are a fusion of traditional Rwandan styles and modern fashion trends, creating a unique and vibrant aesthetic that celebrates the country’s diversity and creativity.