Sewing cooperative for isolated Muslim women

Summary

Muslim women between 16 and 22, living in the Indian city of Hyderabad, form a sewing cooperative and use their tailoring and embroidery skills to leverage their capacity to earn money.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In the muslim-dominated slum of Hyderabad, young women have a difficult time generating income due to the “purdah” system which prevents them from leaving the slum. In order to become self-sufficient, these women, between 16 and 22 years of age, will receive training in sewing and embroidery, then form a cooperative to pool their resources, and market their products effectively.

How will this project solve this problem?

$1500 will purchase 3 sewing machines and 1 computer with Internet capability for the sewing cooperative. The women will be trained to use the machines and will use the computer to market their sewing to a widespread audience.

Potential Long Term Impact

Young women with few job opportunities have the chance to become self-sufficient by receiving sewing and embroidery training. The cooperative further ensures the success of their skills.

Project Message

These young Muslim women are unable to leave their slum. With an income earning activity, they can be self-sufficient and play an integral role in their community.
- Indira Jena, Managing Trustee

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources