A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
In 2020, Chloé, the French luxury fashion house known for its commitment to responsible fashion, partnered with Mifuko to co-create a design collection celebrating artisan skill and ethical production. This collaboration marked the beginning of Chloé’s support for Mifuko Trust and its work to strengthen community-led development in rural Kenya.
What began with baskets has evolved into meaningful and consistent support for Mifuko Trust’s work with women and self-help groups in rural Makueni areas. Chloé is now one of our most committed partners, enabling our projects through sustained funding. You can read more about the beginnings of the partnership with Chloé in the previous blog posts Chloé x Mifuko and Chloé and Mifuko – Sisters in Sustainability.
Supporting Change on the Ground
Mifuko Trust works to strengthen the agency and wellbeing of women and communities in rural Kenya by responding to locally identified needs — from access to clean water and sanitation to sustainable farming, climate resilience, and inclusive leadership. With Chloé’s support, we’ve been able to expand this work in meaningful ways.
In the WASH and Grow! project, we’ve partnered with women-led self-help groups to improve hygiene through ecological dry toilets, soap-making, and water-saving practices, while advancing regenerative agriculture through agroforestry and soil restoration. Chloé’s funding has helped us meet required co-financing for government-funded projects and invest in new initiatives with confidence. In 2023, this support enabled us to provide 146 rainwater harvesting tanks to agroforestry ambassadors and vulnerable households — a critical step made possible through a cost-sharing model with the communities themselves.
A Strategic Path Forward
At the heart of this partnership is a strong alignment of values. Mifuko Trust works toward social and environmental justice through women’s leadership, inclusive community development, and ecological renewal. Our approach is deeply collaborative, particularly with local actors such as the Mifuko Women Development CBO, and grounded in long-term sustainability.
In the years ahead, Mifuko Trust will focus on three strategic priorities: improving women’s and girls’ health and wellbeing, strengthening regenerative livelihoods, and promoting ecological restoration. This includes advancing menstrual hygiene, access to clean water and sanitation, supporting women’s entrepreneurship and farming, and investing in nature-positive solutions that address both environmental and economic needs.
We’ve already begun to put these priorities into action. The Sowing Equality project integrates gender-transformative methods with climate-smart agriculture to build stronger and more inclusive rural economies. In 2025, we will also launch a Youth Advocacy and Communications Training to equip young women and men with skills in advocacy, public engagement, and digital communication — empowering a new generation of local changemakers.
A Future Woven Together
The collaboration between Mifuko, Mifuko Trust, and Chloé began with baskets, but it has grown into something far more meaningful. Chloé’s support has enabled Mifuko Trust to continue its work with rural communities, expand ongoing efforts, and confidently launch new initiatives. We work side by side with women, self-help groups, and local partners to strengthen livelihoods, protect the environment, and create change that lasts.
In the words of Chloé’s Sustainability Manager, Aude Vergne: “We are extremely grateful for Mifuko's teamwork. By working on both job opportunities and community programs, they are contributing to systemic change for women.”
With the stability that this partnership brings, we can focus on what matters most: supporting women and communities to shape a future that is fair, resilient, and sustainable.
