Not I But We

Our Mission: Rewriting Stories Through Meaningful Work

At Not I But We, our mission is simple yet profound: to create meaningful jobs that empower survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa to rewrite their stories. Poverty remains one of the greatest driving forces behind trafficking. In a country where unemployment exceeds 32%, finding dignifying, sustainable work—especially in a trauma-informed environment—is an immense challenge. We step into that gap, offering survivors the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reclaim their independence through dignified, creative work.

A Healing-Centered Approach We are a justice enterprise driven by the belief that true healing happens in a supportive community. We provide vital skills development and fair-wage employment within a healing-centered workplace—one that intentionally puts people before profit and presence before productivity. Through holistic support that includes savings matching, childcare assistance, and continued education, we ensure our artisans have the foundation they need to thrive. We are also deeply committed to survivor leadership, recognizing and uplifting the vital wisdom that survivors bring to every level of our organization.

Your Impact Every product we create—from our upcycled scrunchies and patchwork accessories to our thoughtfully crafted clothing—is a testament to the resilience, skill, and talent of the women who make them. Not I But We seeks to create a space where survivors can dream again, create products they feel proud of, and share them with incredible people around the world. When you choose to shop with us, you are doing more than making a purchase; you are actively investing in the economic independence of survivors. We believe that we are not free until all are free, and with every order, you help us bring that vision to life.