On the third annual Pilgrimage to Cape Coast, Ghana, in April 2023, members of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta traveled to visit their partner diocese in West Africa—the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast. Together with the Diocese of Cape Coast’s women’s ministry, led by Mother Superior Dorcas Atta-Baffoe (wife of the Bishop of Cape Coast), and including the very first three female priests in the history of the diocese, and women from Atlanta -including Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright (wife of the Bishop of Atlanta and acting executive director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, which houses the annual pilgrimage to Ghana)—we explored both the celebrations and the challenges facing the community.

​

We asked a simple but important question: Where are the gaps?

​

Together, we learned that a lack of employment opportunities significantly impacted the lives and livelihoods of young women in the Diocese of Cape Coast—including the families of clergy. Many young women were forced to leave their homes to seek employment in distant cities, and even then, work was not guaranteed.

​

In response, we began brainstorming a sustainable venture that could leverage the skills, creativity, and resources already present in Cape Coast. The goal was clear: to bridge the gap and create new opportunities for young women—and young men—to acquire marketable skills, engage in meaningful work, and experience the pride of earning income to support their families.

​

In April 2023, we envisioned a way forward. Three Zoom calls later—fueled by enthusiasm and energy on both sides of the Atlantic—we raised funds in the United States to purchase ten brand-new sewing machines and two industrial-sized knitting machines. The women of Cape Coast identified skilled instructors who would teach using authentic West African fabrics and techniques. Together, we discerned the products to be made and even created original designs.

​

And so, the Dignity (ENYIMNYAM) Sewing Centre (DSC) was born.

​

When asked to name the ministry, the women of Cape Coast chose a name that reflected their deepest hope: that young people would experience the dignity of work.

​

At the Diocesan Annual Council in Atlanta in November 2023, with great excitement stretching from Cape Coast to Atlanta, we launched the first designs from the Dignity Sewing Centre. Although visa challenges prevented the three ordained female priests and other representatives from Cape Coast from attending in person, the fruits of this burgeoning ministry were joyfully introduced—and widely embraced.

​

The garments carry beautiful Ghanaian names rich with meaning: Ohemaa — “Beautiful queen who lives life to the fullest,” Obrempong — “Powerful King,” Nana — “Royalty,” a title designated for chiefs

​

Each piece is infused with power, faith, beauty, joy, and dignity.

​

The work continues.

​

Since the 2023 Annual Council launch, congregations across the Diocese of Atlanta have hosted pop-up shops to raise funds in support of this justice enterprise. All proceeds are transferred directly to the Dignity Sewing Centre in Cape Coast.

​

The impact has expanded in meaningful ways. Malinda Shamburger, Director of Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry and a participant in that original pilgrimage, now oversees the DSC inventory in Atlanta. Through this partnership, she has expanded her ministry to include vulnerable women who are learning new skills by working with the Dignity Sewing Centre. They are developing practical competencies in merchandising, inventory management, and marketing—gaining confidence and experience rooted in the dignity of meaningful work.

​

In this way, the Dignity Sewing Centre is now also impacting women within the Diocese of Atlanta, extending its vision across continents.

​

In Ghana, two classes of young women have graduated from the program. In March 2024, the Centre celebrated its official opening with great excitement and joy. The graduates continue to thrive—designing and producing beautiful handbags and new clothing lines as their skills deepen. Most recently, they crafted deacon stoles for newly ordained deacons in the Diocese of Arizona.

​

This partnership—this growing justice enterprise—provides more than employment. It nurtures purpose. It restores dignity through meaningful work. And it fosters a vibrant exchange of culture and history between two dioceses bound together in shared mission.

​

On both sides of the Atlantic, there is shared learning, authentic mutual respect, and a deepening celebration of our common calling as we co-create this powerful and hope-filled venture.

​