Women Migrant Returnees livelihood training

The Development Action for Women Network (DAWN) continues to support women migrant returnees, survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking and members of their families.

In July 2025, Ms. Marife Patiño, DAWN Sikhay Coordinator, conducted skills training on sewing to women migrant returnees from Quezon City. They learned the basics of operating sewing machines, pattern-making and cutting. During the training, they learned how to make a conference bag, which may be used as tote bag or as accessory for everyday lifestyle.

“I always thought that sewing a bag is difficult,” said a migrant returnee trainee from Qatar, “It takes patience, but the effort is all worth it once you are able to see what you have made.” Another trainee from Kuwait remarked, “Learning how to sew opens up opportunities and possibilities to create new products such as clothing and other accessories. This will help me earn more through what I will produce.”

Through these skills trainings, DAWN is able to empower women and hone their passion for crafts. This provides them the opportunity to either create their own products at home or produce other bags and accessories at DAWN’s sewing and handloom weaving facilities. Along with DAWN’s therapeutic workshops that promotes their mental health and well-being, they are transformed from victims to survivors to advocates of their own issues and concerns.

The Development Action for Women Network (DAWN) continues to provide its holistic approach to reintegration to women migrant returnees, survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking and members of their families.

DAWN conducted its skills trainings on sewing and handloom weaving. A woman community member from Manila started her training in March 2025. She was being trained by Ms. Marife Patiño, DAWN SIKHAY Coordinator. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this training,” said the trainee from Manila, “I feel great that I’m able to create placemats and coasters despite not having any prior knowledge in handloom weaving.”

Ms. Patiño continues to innovate and create new designs for various products. She is able to re-create prototype designs of bags which may be introduced among the portfolio of DAWN’s products. DAWN provides an environment for women to express their creativity through sewing and handloom weaving.

DAWN celebrated its Women’s Month on March 29, 2025 at the DAWN Office. This was a gathering of our women migrant returnees, survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking and members of their families throughout the years. Special thanks to the Aristocrat Restaurant for their support to this event.