Jhpiego Has Launched Its First Must-have Fashion Accessory, the Women of the World Scarf

A kaleidoscope of saffron-indigo-violet, the richly patterned square of 100 percent silk is the creation of Collection 18 Art Director Rachel Rowberry and designed exclusively for Jhpiego, a global health nonprofit saving lives, improving health and transforming futures in the world’s poorest places.

The scarf can be yours for $100, and proceeds from the sales will benefit the women and families served by Jhpiego in more than 40 countries. Women like Sarah Mamadjibeye, a community health worker in Chad who educates families on proper use of bed nets to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases. Sarah’s likeness appears on the scarf.

Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, is working on a wide range of health initiatives to prevent the needless death of women and families. Jhpiego’s mission is rooted in the belief that where a woman lives shouldn’t determine if she lives.

In Chad, where malaria is a leading cause of death among pregnant women, mothers and children, Jhpiego has prepared a network of community health workers to educate families on malaria prevention and treatment and link them to health facilities if they become sick.

On her daily route in the community, Sarah urges pregnant women to attend quarterly checkups at the health facility and receive malaria prevention medicine to keep their unborn babies safe. The mother of two children is also studying to be a nurse.

After receiving training from Jhpiego, I have made my family and community aware of the importance of mosquito nets…and the avoidance of stagnant, dirty water that can harbor mosquitos, says Sarah.

Creative director Rachel Rowberry has been a supporter of women’s causes for many years. For this project, Rachel used her artistry as a watercolorist to enliven sketches of women from four corners of the globe and create the bold images on the scarf.

For more information on the Women of the World Scarf Project,
please visit www.jhpiego.org and to purchase, visit marketplace.jhpiego.org