Our Story

Gone Rural was founded in 1992 by Jenny Thorne with a vision to create economic empowerment to women living in rural Eswatini. There are often few employment opportunities in these remote areas, however, with Gone Rural's enterprise model the women are able earn an income weaving from their homes whilst still taking care of daily household tasks, child-care and farming.

From 30 artisans in 1992, Gone Rural today offers home-based work to 750 rural women and full time employment to 14 people. We provide market access, product design, materials and training in order for our artisans to continue earning an income for their beautiful traditional handcraft. The skills are handed from mother to daughter and with every strand woven we preserve a very special part of Eswatini’s rich cultural history.

Our baskets are woven using indigenous lutindzi grass, harvested from rocky mountainous areas, and sisal, an invasive aloe plant which grows wild across the southern part of the country. The materials are sustainably harvested according to the traditional customs of Eswatini. It is then carefully dyed in our Malkerns workshop then distributed to our 13 community groups for production.

Gone Rural is committed to a transparent business model where financial information is shared with artisans and staff members. Annual negotiations with the Artisan Board determines the prices paid for items produced by the artisans. In addition to weaving, our sister NGO boMake Rural Projects offers a range of social projects in our artisans' communities.  

Since Jenny passed away in 2003 the company has been guided by a succession of five inspirational women and the brand has gone on to become globally recognised for producing high quality table ware, contemporary home products, lighting and woven wall art.