Jewelry with Meaning - Necklaces Made from Recycled Medical Text Books

If you like chunky, colorful jewelry that are bold, boho chic and a bit rustic -check out our collection of Kirabo necklaces. These unique pieces are really what I call -Jewelry with Meaning!

I named these Kirabo because it means "gift" in Luganda, a local language in Uganda.  These necklaces are a great gift idea and they have so much meaning. They are handmade by the women artisans who live in the slums of Kampala who is part of our Tugende Design team. They make these striking pieces out of paper, making something beautiful out of nothing. So, these necklaces are full of meaning, lovingly handmade and some have interesting messages related to medicine and health too. 

We used old, outdated medical text books for some of these beads. So, on some of the beads, you can actually read a couple of medical terms. It is really fun, and cute and definitely makes for an interesting conversation -a statement necklace for sure. But, these beads and necklaces also remind us of the important work still needed in terms of improving the health of these vulnerable communities that face so many hardships related to sanitation and clean water, infectious and chronic diseases as well as the distress of living in dire poverty. 

As a global health researcher, my love for all things public health and medicine is likely obvious. My doctoral degree is in epidemiology, so I read many text books over the years, and still do. And I do global health work every day. This is a special time of year as I get ready to teach my introduction to global health class again next week to a new group of university students. Global health is my life and my passion. 

Part of the story of naming these necklaces Kirabo is also that it is my Ugandan name. I was very honored when I was named by my long time collaborator and amazing friend, Rogers Kasirye in Uganda as part of a naming ceremony. It is a very special name, and a name I am very grateful for. I am reminded of the important work that we do together, how many people who count on us to make a difference and how privileged I am. So, Kirabo, is really a great name for these awesome necklaces. Of course, I have several of these Kirabo necklaces that I wear all the time. I went through my photo album and found some pictures of me wearing these necklaces while traveling all over the world. 

I have worn my Kirabo necklaces with a pin stripe suit while presenting my research at the United Nations and the Commission on the Status of Women and I've worn them while playing dress-up at a Finish castle, lol. So, if you're into women empowerment and bold, rustic jewelry with meaning -take a look at these unique necklaces. Maybe you will love them too. 

It really feels special to wear handmade jewelry with so much meaning! All jewelry sales make a difference -always so very grateful for the support.

Tugende (let's go)!