By Sally Deitchman | Programmes and Office Assistant
In the south Anosy region of Madagascar, Mahampy reed weaving has become a lifeline for women seeking flexible and sustainable livelihoods. Despite its potential, weaving faces challenges such as low return on investment and poor access to markets. Seeing these factors, Project Mahampy aims to change this situation by creating profitable and sustainable weaving livelihoods.
The creation of the weaving cooperative, literacy training sessions, and education savings schemes play a significant role in achieving this goal. Literacy training sessions are essential to building capacity and empowerment. So far, the women remain engaged with the program and can now expect a new literacy programme which has just been finalised. There has also been a shift in leadership for the literacy training program with a member of the Mahampy Committee now running the program. The education savings scheme continues to serve 38 women. With 1,000,000 MGA saved in the system the women are provided with financial security and resilience.
In April 2024, SEED facilitated a transformative experience for 10 women in the Mahampy Project by organising a regional cross visit to four weaving cooperatives. This exchange was focused around sharing knowledge, expertise, and joint problem solving and was supplemented by visits to tourist shops in Fort Dauphin to inspire the women and improve quality control. Overall, this trip was a testament to the Mahampy Project’s ability to build bridges between communities and foster solidarity among women artisans.
Another big celebration has been Mahampy’s collaboration with national and international resellers leading to the first commission of new products currently being fulfilled. This milestone is outstanding evidence of the hard work and dedication of these talented women.
SEED is incredibly grateful for your generous support, which is making a tangible difference in the lives of these women. Together, we weave a brighter future—one reed at a time.
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