Happy Wednesday my friends! Today I have a special treat for you- introducing Kidogo Kidogo cell phone cases. Aren’t they beautiful? Not only are these phone cases carefully designed but they are made for a special cause.
Kidogo Kidogo, translates to “little by little” in Swahili, and was created with the aim of lifting the financial barrier preventing women in Tanzania, Africa, from having access to life changing mobile-technology.
In Tanzania, only 36% of women own mobile phones, and the number one reason preventing them from ownership is the initial cost of a mobile handset. Mobile phones in Tanzania are prepaid where owners can buy credits at bodegas and other small stores around the county. These phones are also much more to these women then just a way to communicate with family and friends, although they do enjoy this as well. A mobile phone is a flashlight, a watch, a calculator, a camera and a radio. In Tanzania mobile banking is extremely common, and a phone provides women a way to make secure banking transactions. Mobile phones are also used monitor consumer markets and receive health reminders and updates. Women with mobile phones also report a much higher feeling of personal safety than those without.
These phone cases do a lot more than just look good and protect your phone — they are putting life changing mobile technology into the hands of women across Tanzania, who could not otherwise afford it. The profits made from selling phone cases go to the purchase and donations of mobile phones. The phones are distributed to women through established non-profit partners already working in Tanzania. Kidogo Kidogo currently have partnered with FINCA, a global charitable microfinance organization, whose mission is to provide financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets, and improve their standard of living. In 2014 Kidogo Kidogo also gave to Sega Girls School, and recently have donated to expectant mothers, and women who are HIV positive so they are able to receive necessary healthcare in remote areas. They have also partnered with an environmental NGO in Tanzania, Sea Sense. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the sea turtle case will be distributed to Sea Sense who works closely with coastal communities in Tanzania to conserve and protect endangered marine species.
Kidogo Kidogo recently expanded and now carry cases for the iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S5.The cases are priced at $25 and $28 (depending on the model), and have been designed by esteemed Tanzanian-based artist, Sarah Markes, which feature some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife. I personally love my Kidogo Kidogo phone case because its extremely durable. I have already dropped my phone various times and it has been kept safe with my Flamingo phone case. Stylish, durable and made for a good cause? My kind of product!
They also sell handmade kitenge pouches ($2) which were made by a woman’s co-op in Zanzibar, Tanzania. These are great for carrying jewelry and other small little things so they don’t get lost in your bag.
Want to win your very own phone case? Stop by my Instagram later today to see how you can win! Hope you are having a wonderful week my friend!
Xoxo,
I wish more companies out there were doing things like Kidogo Kidogo. What an absolutely fantastic way to give back to not just your community, but a community well beyond your own zipcode. Thanks for sharing this one! Headed to take a peek right now!