Sokoni is the Swahili word for market place, and entering the space is like entering a global village of cultures, skills and most importantly women working together, to enhance their countries and communities.

Women young and old, representing various parts of the world intensely in Sokoni to raise funds for much needed causes in their countries.

A mother and her daughters from Isinya in the Kayiado district in Kenya were producing beautiful beaded creations, which included belts and armbands. While a few meters away a group of young women from YWCA Japan were teaching an anxious crowd the meaning of Mottainai and the old but simple craft of Furoshiki.

The President of YWCA Pakistan, Nuzhrat Williams explained that some of the arts and crafts that her group was selling were made by Afghan women refugees living positively with HIV. These women had been forced to become sex workers during the Afghan war. She further added that 15% of the proceeds will go towards the Musimbi Kanyoro Fund.

Williams concluded that, “50% of the earnings from the sale of the dresses that Pakistan wore at the YWCA inaugural ceremony will go to the World YWCA.”

Not only is Sokoni a fantastic place to shop for beautiful arts and craft, but a wonderful way to network with other organisations and funders. Each stall has a different story to tell, but the intention is the same – Changing lives, changing communities.