Article by Elina Salian, a VSFS intern with the U.S. Department of State, currently studying Economics at George Washington University.
Sawe, or “warrior,” is not just a business name for Catherine Sawe – it’s a family title that embodies her determination to provide care and comfort to cancer patients in Uganda. With support from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, Catherine channeled her experience in art and design into a successful fashion business that has transformed her community.
Catherine, a former painter and art gallery manager, first ventured into fashion when she could not find African kids wear for a friend’s child. This led to the conception of Sawe Creations, where she designs custom clothing for children. Then, when one of her friends fell sick with cancer, she was inspired to use her fashion business to address the needs of patients in Kampala. She visited the Uganda Cancer Institute, where she found outpatients living in a makeshift camp without adequate food or beds. Initially visiting on weekends to provide fruits and chapatis funded from her clothing sales, her outreach quickly grew into a full-scale operation. Since January 2024, she has provided over 70,000 meals, feeding around 200 patients daily.
ac47f007-1488-4c98-8fde-aa5bdf10810e.jpg
Patients and their families lining up for a meal at the Uganda Cancer Institute camp
Catherine’s business is not just about a one-time exchange; she emphasizes the importance of interacting with the community to respond to their struggles. When she heard one woman suffering from cervical cancer voice her worries about traveling home on a bus after receiving treatment in Kampala, Catherine designed and created reusable, waterproof underwear to make the journey more comfortable. When another patient expressed his inability to eat meat due to losing his teeth, Catherine gave him dentures so he could experience chewing meals again. Catherine also leads the Pink Stripe Campaign, which donates wigs to breast cancer survivors. These products go beyond practicality; they are symbols of care, empathy, and understanding.
Catherine saw a need in her community and wanted to enact change but initially hesitated to formally expand her business. The AWE program helped her overcome concerns over taxation documents, registration, and permits by teaching her how to take on these tasks and instilling her with confidence. “AWE was the best decision I ever made. They taught me everything, from bookkeeping to pricing and registration.”
0a85fbb3-66e1-4a3d-9ddf-f390dbe45321.jpg
Catherine at the graduation ceremony of the AWE program, wearing one of her dress designs
Equipped with knowledge from AWE on setting up a business bank account, publishing a website, and conducting proposal writing, Catherine was able to approach other companies for wholesale purchases as her operation grew. For clothing, she contacted a nearby factory with 30 tons of Ugandan cotton byproduct that would otherwise go to waste and used it for her clothing. For food, she contacted a large local market and formed a relationship to receive a considerable discount for vegetables and fruits.
76f25906-c749-49aa-8e84-9b34d9d13b37.jpg
Catherine providing meals and food at the outpatient camp of the Uganda Cancer Institute
Looking forward, Catherine is excited about future opportunities to expand her impact, including registering as an NGO, tapping into international markets like the U.S., and holding charity fashion shows where patients will walk the runway. Although starting her business was at first challenging, she found her footing and confidence with the AWE program. She remains focused on her mission to bridge the gap in healthcare for patients in Uganda: “There’s so much women can do to transform healthcare here,” she says, acknowledging that women entrepreneurs are essential to addressing social issues faced by communities like hers.
f2f4ff9e-1e12-42e4-931c-c887448e7f05.jpg
Catherine at the storefront of Sawe Creations
Her advice to fellow women entrepreneurs wanting to enter the AWE program and start a business with a social focus? “Go for it. Take time to study the need around you. You can make an impact, and it starts with the people around you.”
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs operates under the U.S. Department of State to equip enterprising women with the professional skills, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses. The program helps women like Catherine launch their businesses using a cutting-edge U.S. business platform developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. AWE offers programs in nearly 100 countries and has empowered over 25,000 women worldwide - including more than 600 women entrepreneurs in Uganda.
For more information about AWE, visit: https://eca.state.gov/awe.
