Munich. Monaco. Marrakech. These stations convey Andrea Bury’s exciting development story at a glance. Today, the successful marketing manager supports women in countries such as Morocco, Rwanda and Ecuador.
Andrea Bury has made it. A successful career in marketing, a network that extends into the glittering world of Formula 1 and seemingly everything you need for a comfortable life. But a bus ride through the favelas of Rio de Janeiro changed everything. A bus ride through the favelas of Rio, with children knocking on the windows, while ten minutes later the champagne glasses clinked in the Paddock Club. “I realized that I wanted to use my skills for something more meaningful,” Andrea recalls. This scene set a process in motion that ultimately led her to radically change her life.
Today, Andrea heads the Abury Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps women in Africa to free themselves from poverty and dependency. For 3 years she has been supported by Petra Hoffmann, Heike Janssen and Britt Hess as additional partners – and clearly states: Teamwork makes the dream work. In countries such as Morocco, Rwanda and Ethiopia, she promotes literacy, vocational training and self-determination. Her goal? Financial independence and the ability to realize their own dreams. Sounds ambitious? It is – and that’s exactly what Andrea Bury is all about.
From handbag to foundation
The journey there began unspectacularly – with a handbag. During a stay in Marrakech, Andrea discovered old, traditionally embroidered bags, which she wore herself and which soon inspired her friends. But there was a sad truth behind this beautiful craft: the skills of seamstresses were in danger of dying out, while many women were out of work. The idea of combining craftsmanship and design became a first project. “We set up a small production group, developed products and invested the profits in local education projects,” explains Andrea. Today, this has grown into a foundation with numerous projects.
Education as the key
Abury Foundation‘s work focuses on supporting women and girls who would otherwise have little access to education. Andrea is particularly proud of the “Abury Teenage Girl Club”, a program helping girls between the ages of 13 and 18 to develop self-confidence. This is not just about school education, but also about topics such as body awareness, rights and developing their own life visions. A special highlight: some girls receive a scholarship for a week in Berlin, where they take part in an international Girls Leadership Academy. “For these girls, it is often the first time they have left their home country. It’s a huge challenge – and an incredible opportunity,” says Andrea.
Hurdles and success stories
The work of the Abury Foundation is anything but easy. Language barriers, cultural differences and bureaucratic hurdles make every new project a challenge. “The most important factor is trust,” explains Andrea. She builds this through long-term collaboration on an equal footing. “We don’t work purely as donors, but as partners. That requires respect, patience and often a sense of humor.”
Her success proves her right. One of the most moving stories is that of Marwa, a girl from the Teenage Girl Club. After attending the Leadership Academy in Berlin, she contacted Andrea with a bold plan: she wanted to study in Germany. “Seeing an insecure girl become a young woman with big goals is priceless,” says Andrea.
"We have to give women space"
For Andrea Bury, working with the Abury Foundation is more than just a job – it’s a mission. “We in Europe can hardly imagine what it’s like if you’ve never been asked: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ This is exactly where we come in. We give women and girls the opportunity to develop dreams and pursue them.”
Her vision is ambitious: by 2030, the Abury Foundation wants to help at least 50 women achieve financial independence. And Andrea Bury remains a realist. “This is not a revolution. But it means everything to these women.”
How you can help
The Abury Foundation is financed by the sale of handmade products, company donations and private supporters. “Every contribution counts,” says Bury. And even a like or a share on social media can help to make the work visible.
Reality begins with a dream – that is the motto of the Abury Foundation. For Andrea Bury, this dream has long been a reality. And she works every day to make it come true for other women too.
Discover more valuable projects of the Abury Foundation
How the Abury Foundation helps girls to realise their potential and lead a self-determined life.
