Janet Nkubana
Tribute
Janet Nkubana transforms traditional Rwandan basket weaving into global market opportunities through Gahaya Links while weaving security, possibility, and cultural pride into her five children's lives as a single mother. We celebrate the cooperative principles applied to both business operations and family chores, the fair trade practices modeled in both international sales and sibling negotiations, and the beautiful patterns created in both woven products and family traditions.
Profile
Janet Nkubana is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Gahaya Links, a Rwandan social enterprise that empowers women through handicrafts and entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, Gahaya Links has transformed traditional Rwandan basket weaving into a global business, connecting thousands of women artisans to international markets. Through partnerships with major retailers like Macy’s, her work has not only provided economic independence to women but also preserved Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Janet’s impact extends beyond business, as she continues to advocate for gender equality, financial inclusion, and women’s empowerment in Africa. A survivor of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, Janet witnessed the devastating impact of the conflict on women and sought to create sustainable solutions for their recovery. She co-founded Gahaya Links in 2004, starting with just 20 women and growing it into a nationwide network of over 4,000 artisans. Her efforts have earned her international recognition, including awards for social entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. Nkubana’s work has positioned her as a key figure in Rwanda’s post-genocide economic recovery, using business as a tool for healing, reconciliation, and poverty alleviation. Janet Nkubana is a proud mother of five children.