Raising Funds for Fieldwork: A Clothing Swap to Stop FGM

In August of 2024, the Njaboute Foundation’s Swedish-based board members held a first-of-its-kind public fundraising event to support the work of field officers in the Gambia.

As summer comes to a close in Sweden, the grey and rainy weather creates the perfect atmosphere to bundle up in a sweater and reflect with gratitude on this season's successes. With the help of many hands, the Njaboute Foundation’s Swedish-based board raised nearly 4,000 SEK (over 26,000 Gambian Dalasi). 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our hosts, the Beerbliotek Taproom in Gothenburg, the many volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly, the band who delighted us all with their musical talents, and of course, the many attendees who generously donated to support the Foundation. Especially those who travelled from across the country to be with us! So, what is a clothing swap? And why did the Board decide to organise this event?

The clothing swap in progress at the Beerbliotek Taproom

For those who have never had the pleasure of joining one, a clothing swap is an event where participants bring their valued but no longer used garments to exchange for clothing they will use. It applies the reduce and reuse principles that form the foundation of a circular economy, by reducing individual’s needs to purchase new clothing items and ensuring existing clothing items find new use in the lives of others.

The Board decided to host this type of event because circular economy initiatives align deeply with our mission to support women and girls. Not only is the fast fashion industry bad for the environment, the destruction of which can have different effects on women and girls, but it also reduces the wellbeing of women who work in fast fashion factories. We recognise that the transition to a circular economy requires effort from both consumers and producers - and we want to be a part of that change. 

Of course, we also wanted to host a clothing swap because it's a lot of fun and a great way to refresh your wardrobe! From the moment the event started, guests started pouring into the brewery with their previously loved fashion items.

The fundraiser was hosted by our wonderful friends at Beerbliotek Taproom, a local brewery founded by four friends from different parts of the world. A staple of the neighborhood, the Taproom regularly hosts brewery tours and other events - including their annual Collaboration Day where women brewers gather to brew good beer and support gender diversity in the industry. 

To participate in the swap, attendees were asked to give a donation of 50 kr, though many decided to offer even more. Fashion items that didn’t get taken home by the end of the event will be saved until next time or donated to local charitable organisations.

Vär och Vurna playing live at the clothing swap

During the event, the local folk music band Vär och Vurna, starring our very own board-member Katarina, charmed attendees with two sets featuring covers of famous songs from artists like Bob Dylan as well as a few of their own original tunes.

The Njaboute Foundation’s founder and Chair of the Board, Abdoulie Baldeh, took to the stage before the band’s final set to thank the community and inform guests about the Foundation’s latest efforts. Abdoulie shared that while the recent threat of repealment of the female genital mutilation ban has been subdued thanks to pro-equality advocates, including the Njaboute Foundation, this issue is expected to be recurring. In the meantime, funds raised will be used to support interventions on the ground that will directly elevate the health of women and girls. 

Our secretary Peter Korp looks like he is having fun!

The Board is looking forward to holding similar events in the future. If you would be interested in hosting an event at your own venue, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Thank you again for your continued support.

Emily Glantz

Event and Grant Manager

Njaboute Foundation