About Us
Who We Are
Jua Craft Mama's is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Tanzania through sustainable artisanal craftsmanship. We create high-quality handcrafted products, including furniture, jewelry, home décor, and customized gift items—all made from recycled and biodegradable materials.
Our mission is to foster economic independence, resilience, and environmental stewardship while advocating for social change.
Our Vision
A future where empowered women, youth, and PWDs transform their communities through creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
Why Choose Jua Craft Mama's?
Our commitment goes beyond craftsmanship; we're dedicated to creating meaningful change.
Empowering Communities
When you support Jua Craft Mama's, you're not just purchasing a product—you're investing in people. Every item sold helps artisans build sustainable livelihoods, develop skills, and gain financial independence.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
We are committed to protecting the environment. Our products are crafted from recycled and biodegradable materials, reducing waste and promoting a greener future.
Championing Social Change
Through our work, we advocate for gender equality, the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV), and the economic inclusion of marginalized communities.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
Each product is handmade with love, blending traditional techniques with modern design to create unique, high-quality pieces that reflect Tanzania's rich cultural heritage.
Supporting Mental Health
By purchasing our products, you support safe spaces and psychosocial support for survivors of GBV, helping them heal and rebuild their lives.
Community Partnership
We believe in the power of collaboration. By working closely with local communities, we ensure our impact is both meaningful and sustainable.
How We Empower Artisans
At Jua Craft Mama's, we provide artisans with training in craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, then integrate them into our production model in various ways.
Employment
Offering full-time and part-time positions for skilled artisans.
Commission-Based
Paying artisans based on product quality and quantity to encourage creativity.
Freelance & Outsourcing
Allowing artisans to work on flexible terms, producing specific product batches.
Product Co-Creation
Collaborating with artisans on custom projects to expand our product offerings.
Our self-sustaining model ensures that profits are reinvested into the business to expand operations, scale production, and empower more artisans.
Our Founder's Story
The Heart Behind Jua Craft Mama's
"We're not just making crafts, we're rebuilding lives and rewriting stories."
As a passionate human rights advocate and former teacher, my journey has always been about standing up for those whose voices are often unheard. Through my work at Sauti ya Mtoto Foundation (SMF) a nonprofit I founded to address gender-based violence, promote child rights, and champion women's empowerment, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of inequality, trauma, and poverty on women and children.
But I also saw something else, resilience. I met women with powerful stories and gifted hands, mothers who had endured pain yet still dared to dream, and youth who carried hope in their eyes.
That's when Jua Craft Mama's was born.
More than just a social enterprise, Jua Craft Mama's is a movement. We empower women, youth and persons with disabilities especially survivors of gender-based violence, by turning their hands into tools of transformation. Through crafting, skill-building, mental wellness support, and enterprise, we create pathways to healing, income, and dignity.
In June 2024, I was honored to receive the "Woman of Strength" Award from the Joyful Foundation. A recognition that reaffirmed our mission. But this award isn't mine alone, it belongs to every woman who's dared to rise again, to every mama crafting her way out of pain, and to every girl watching, knowing she can lead.
My story is just the beginning. The real magic is in the community we're building, one craft, one voice, one woman at a time.
Jerusa David Kitoto
Founder & Executive Director
Our SDG Commitment
At Jua Craft Mama's, we don't just talk change, we live it. Every product, every training, and every partnership is a step toward building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
SDG 1 - No Poverty
We create economic opportunities for women and youth, especially those affected by gender-based violence, helping them gain sustainable livelihoods through artisanal skills.
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Our programs incorporate mental health support and well-being initiatives for participants, recognizing that healing and empowerment go hand in hand.
SDG 5 - Gender Equality
Empowering women is at the heart of everything we do. We challenge harmful gender norms, provide platforms for women's voices, and equip them with tools for independence.
SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
We offer quality skills training, fair pay, and safe working environments through our crafts and social enterprise initiatives.
SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
By uplifting marginalized communities and ensuring inclusive participation, we strive to level the playing field for all.
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Sustainability is central to our products. We use biodegradable materials and creatively repurpose waste like turning tires into furniture and accessories.
SDG 13 - Climate Action
Through our eco-friendly crafting, upcycling, and climate advocacy campaigns, we educate and inspire communities to protect our planet.
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
We know that we're stronger together. That's why we collaborate with grassroots organizations, development partners, artists, donors, and changemakers to scale impact.
Join us in driving change. We welcome new partnerships and allies who believe in the power of community, creativity, and sustainability.
Partner With Us
Looking for a meaningful collaboration? Partnering with Jua Craft Mama's means aligning with a social enterprise that prioritizes empowerment, sustainability, and economic growth.
Shared Values
A commitment to social impact and sustainability.
Market Potential
Expanding our reach in local and international markets.
Customized Projects
Creating tailored products that align with your brand's mission.
Scalable Impact
Directly contributing to economic empowerment and social justice.