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Deliverables

MID TERM PRESENTATION

What is Gisubizo?¶

Gisubizo’ is a Kinyarwanda name derived from the word ‘igisubizo,’ which means ‘the answer’ or ‘the solution’ to something. This name carries a powerful meaning, symbolizing resolution and clarity. In many cultures, names hold significant value, and Gisubizo embodies the idea of finding solutions to challenges, offering hope and guidance.

GISUBIZO Handbags by using Self-Cleaning Fabric Development by joselyn ingabire

GANTT

I am planning my Imigwegwe handbag project, focusing on dyeing techniques, prototyping, and assembly. Using Monday.com, I am organizing tasks to ensure a smooth process from material preparation to final testing.

bill of materials

Item Quantity Low Estimated Cost Market Place
Turmeric Powder 50g $2 Simpa Supermarket
Distilled Water 2-3 gallons $2 Khipharma
Salt 100g $1 Kimironko Market
Imigwegwe Leaves 5kg $50 Imigwegwe at Kayonza District
Gloves and Stirring Utensils 1 set $7 Khipharma
Large Pot 1 $20 Kimironko Market
Strainer 1 $3 Kimironko Market

Total Estimated Cost:

  • $85

STORY TELLING

GISUBIZO COLLECTION

The Gisubizo Collection is a reflection of deep introspection on the relationship between humanity, nature, and the consequences of our own actions. Rooted in the rich cultural traditions of Rwanda, where respect for the land and its resources is a central value, this project is not just about fashion—it's about a solution, a transformation, and a statement.

At the core of the Gisubizo Collection is the use of imigwegwe leaves, a natural resource that grows in Rwanda. These leaves are skillfully transformed into fibers to create bags and clothing, symbolizing sustainability, creativity, and the power of local materials. This project honors Rwanda’s agricultural heritage, weaving it into a modern solution for both fashion and environmental preservation. Through this collection, a traditionally overlooked plant is given new life, turning waste into something valuable and beautiful.

But the Gisubizo Collection is more than just a tribute to nature. It is a reflection on the state of humanity—our desires, our greed, and the consequences of our actions. The narrative that guides this project speaks directly to the human experience. What happens when we, as humans, make decisions driven by selfishness and disregard for others? When we take more than we need, when we destroy to satisfy our own wants?

The story begins with a reflection on the vulnerability of human life. “What if we were the ones who are exploited, stripped of our rights, or devalued because of our desires?” The Gisubizo Collection poses questions about how our actions as a society have led us to a point of imbalance. It reflects on the consequences of greed and exploitation, both in the way we treat each other and the planet.

Through the collection, we explore the idea of strength and fragility. The products made from imigwegwe fibers embody this contrast—what appears fragile can be resilient, what seems strong may eventually break. Just as we have seen in human history, where power, dominance, and greed have shaped the fate of entire civilizations, we are reminded of the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, between creation and destruction.

In every bag, every garment in the Gisubizo Collection, there is a story of transformation—turning a simple plant into something meaningful and useful. This mirrors our own ability as human beings to change, to learn, to grow, and to rise above past mistakes. The use of imigwegwe fiber is a call for humanity to rethink its relationship with nature and with each other, to stop viewing resources as commodities to be exploited, and to instead see them as opportunities for healing and collaboration.

Rwanda, with its deep respect for nature and its remarkable history of healing and resilience, serves as the perfect backdrop for this collection. The name "Gisubizo," meaning "solution," embodies the essence of this project—a reminder that the solutions to our greatest challenges lie within us, in the choices we make, and in our ability to come together for a better tomorrow.

The Gisubizo Collection is not just a fashion line; it is a movement—a call to rethink the way we engage with the world and each other. It tells the story of human resilience, of growth, and of the transformative power we each hold to create a more sustainable, compassionate future.