After graduating from the University of Missouri, Liz Forkin visited Uganda. She learned firsthand that “women in Uganda face many social, financial and legal barriers that perpetuate a wide opportunity gap between men and women.” To help her new female friends in Uganda shrink that gap, Forkin started a sandal company called Sseko. 50 Ugandan women are making a living by making pretty ribbon sandals which are then sold by Sseko in the US.
Forkin is quick to explain that Sseko is not a charity. It does not raise funds though donors but by its revenue, which is growing as fast as its product line. Sseko now makes bridal sandals, handbags and scarves. All are made in Eastern Africa.
