Bikes, Baskets & Bravery: How Ugandan Women Are Pedaling Toward a Brighter Future
When you hear the words World Bicycle Day, your mind might jump to childhood rides, scenic trails, or a breezy weekend hobby. But for one of Intertwined’s inspiring artisan partners, bicycles became the spark for life-changing impact.
Meet Ride 4 a Woman, a women-led nonprofit social enterprise located in Buhoma, Uganda, near the edge of the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—a region known for its mountain gorillas and breathtaking natural beauty. In 2009, this organization began with one simple but powerful idea: rent out bicycles to tourists visiting Bwindi and use the funds to support local women in crisis.
That seed of an idea grew into something extraordinary.
Today, Ride 4 a Woman empowers over 300 women—many of whom are survivors of domestic violence or extreme poverty—through skill-building in basket weaving, sewing, and hospitality. At Intertwined, we are proud to work directly with these incredible women, offering their handcrafted products to customers who value ethical fashion, home decor, and fair trade gifts.
Meet Evelyne Habasa: The Heart Behind the Movement
This week, in honor of World Bicycle Day, we sat down (virtually!) with Evelyne Habasa, the remarkable founder of Ride 4 a Woman, and the first artisan to answer our new Intertwined artisan spotlight questionnaire.
Evelyne is a woman of grace, strength, and vision. She enjoys swimming, cooking, and welcoming others, and draws inspiration from her late mother, a woman who clearly passed on her sense of resilience and compassion.
When asked how she learned the skills that now sustain an entire community of women, Evelyne shared a beautiful story. The women of Buhoma already knew how to weave baskets—wisdom passed down through generations. But sewing? That came later. In 2012, Evelyne met Patricia, an Australian quilter, while helping translate during a fabric-buying trip. Patricia returned home and sent Evelyne photos of her quilts—sparking Evelyne’s imagination. She brought sewing back to Buhoma and helped start a sewing program that has become a cornerstone of empowerment for hundreds of women.
Why Evelyne Loves Working with Intertwined
We asked Evelyne what makes her proudest. Her answer: “Seeing the women at Ride 4 a Woman feel hopeful and joyful again.”
And what does partnering with Intertwined mean to her?
“It makes me feel like we are stronger together.”
That’s a phrase we hold dear at Intertwined: Stronger together. Because when women support women across cultures and continents, we build something unshakable—community, dignity, and purpose.
Shop the Handmade Collection from Uganda
Every item we source from Ride 4 a Woman tells a story of resilience, hope, and strength. When you shop these products, you’re not just buying something beautiful—you’re becoming part of a much bigger story.
Here are a few of our favorite Ugandan-made items from Ride 4 a Woman:
Handmade Yoga Mat Bag
Carry your yoga mat in style with this colorful, durable bag—hand-sewn by Ugandan women using pedal-powered sewing machines (electricity is unreliable in Buhoma). It’s a sustainable and empowering choice for your next flow.
African Print Wine Bottle Cover
Add a bold pop of color to your next dinner party or gift basket! These vibrant African fabric wine covers are handmade by the women of Ride 4 a Woman and feature a clever velcro closure that fits any bottle.
Grass & Raffia Napkin Rings
Simple, sustainable, and stunning. These natural raffia napkin rings are handwoven using grasses collected from the hills around the Bwindi Forest. A beautiful way to add artisan charm to your table.
Handwoven Grass Baskets
Each grass basket is a work of art—woven with a coiling technique that takes days to complete. Use them for decor, storage, or as thoughtful gifts. No two are exactly alike.
Dutch Wax Cotton Napkins & Napkin Rings
Brighten your table with our colorful cotton napkin sets, made with authentic African wax print fabric. These cloth napkins and rings are sustainably stitched using foot-powered machines, creating opportunity with every stitch.
Ethical Shopping That Makes a Difference
Every purchase from Intertwined helps support women like Evelyne and the community of artisans at Ride 4 a Woman. When you buy a basket, a napkin ring, or a yoga mat bag, you're helping a woman gain skills, confidence, and economic independence.
And who knew it all started with a bicycle?
