HOW MAJA KOTALA IS BREAKING BARRIERS IN EAST AFRICA THROUGH AN INITIATIVE ‘SEWING TOGETHER’
By: Prachi Khatri
Over time, the definition of a ‘fashion influencer’ has evolved into someone who has an impeccable Instagram presence, typically a younger woman who has an endless wardrobe filled with accessories and clothing impeccably styled daily. They have influence over strangers who like, follow and engage with their content. Influencers use their wide reach in fashion to often amplify social issues, promote inclusivity and encourage their followers to take action. But where does that leave the people who are making significant impact in fashion - are they not ‘fashion influencers’?
The leaders who are making a direct impact in fashion are now being recognized as ‘People of Influence’. These individuals use their expertise and credibility to shape policies, raise awareness and make systemic changes. Without these transformative agents who take risks breaking traditional barriers and reshaping the industry, the world of fashion - and society overall would be facing bigger challenges.
One individual who has devoted much of their time and career to making positive strides towards improving the fashion industry is Maja Kotala. In East Africa, Kotala has been an exemplary role model for women, entrepreneurs, educators and anyone in fashion. Her name resonates with passion, creativity and empowering youth through social change. As the founder of Sewing Together, a youth organization, Kotala has been changing lives and communities. Her story is a testament that fashion can be a powerful tool leading to positive change.
Born in Poland, her love for fashion started at young age but she gives special credit to the Headmaster of her fashion school in Sydney Australia, Nicholas Huxley. Kotala describes Huxley as “a man who changed my life because he saw something in me and decided to accept me into his fashion school.”
She later honed her skills in fashion during a job in the fashion capital of the world, Paris and fell in love with the world of fabrics, patterns, and designs.
“I woke up one day and couldn’t recognize myself and asked myself what I want to be remembered by. And it’s not the party, it's not the flashlight. Just something more meaningful.”-Maja Kotala
Kotala decided to put all her experience from being a model, stylist and an agent representing international brands into one program. She found her true calling when she traveled to Nairobi, Kenya. It was there when the idea of Sewing Together was born. In January 2021 Kotala opened a permanent Sewing Together place of creation in Bamburi: EKotala School for Women.
Kotala envisioned a platform where young people could learn skills, express their creativity, and build a better future. She decided to purely dedicate the program to women especially those who are more vulnerable or at risk; she believed in giving them a chance to be independent.
“I remember there was resentment in the beginning; people were like this is just a silly idea, it will pass. A year later, something was still urging me to help. I went from Kenya to Nairobi followed by Uganda, Mombasa and that is how I discovered my home.”
Through the Sewing Together program she not only teaches stitching and designs but also inspires passion for business, entrepreneurship and everything else that helps these women stand on their own two feet. Hundreds of girls have graduated from the program and some are still working for Kotala under the program while others have moved forward choosing new pathways.
Under Kotala’s leadership, Sewing Together has grown exponentially. Aside from running her program in Kenya, she has successfully created similar curriculum to support underprivileged girls in Tanzania, Madagascar, and Uganda. She focuses on creating collections at her Mombasa school that they sell on a website https://www.mkotala.com/. All proceeds from e-commerce products go towards charity and to sponsor her programs in different countries.
In March/April 2023 Kotola organised the first Victoria Rally, which is another major initiative. The goal of the Rally is to create and equip independent places across Africa, where Kotala and her team trains women on how to make reusable sanitary pads, ultimately fighting menstrual poverty and empoering women with tools and eduation.
“The Victoria Rally is like a collaboration and it is my second baby. It allows me to really branch out and learn a lot.“
The Victory Rally provides independent workshops that demonstrate how to make reusable sanitary pads and they just recently completed training on how to make reusable sanitary pads for almost 2000 women.
Menstrual poverty is a huge issue in Africa and Maja shared various shocking facts of girls using leaves, feathers and all kinds of unhygienic items because they cannot afford sanitary pads and they are also not educated on same. Kotala’s commitment to provide better lives to these young women has not gone unrewarded; she has received many accolades and support from fashion brands around the world to provide resources and opportunities for students.
Recently Kotala launched a flower collection called the ‘Maua Collection’ on her website Mkotala.com where everything is created by her students from upcycling bedsheets, shower curtains, raincoats etc.
Kotala is building a community of strength and empowerment through fashion. It is the generosity and people’s belief in her mission that keep it all going. From ccreative ideas to authetic leadership, Kotala is a person of significant ‘Influence’ ot keep watching.