Fund Sewing Skills for Women in South Africa

Dear Supporters,

Over the previous months the mum’s club members have begun applying their newly acquired computing skills to their own goals and schemes, yet now on the eve of completion, we can start to initiate and perform far more ambitious plans with each of the ladies. The base now eagerly awaits the arrival of volunteers to build upon this foundational teaching with their own unique classes for further economic empowerment and gender equality, as posed by UN sustainable development goal number 5. 

Alongside the regular lessons of computing and English we have been lucky enough to receive health and wellbeing talks covering the subjects of heart disease, cardiovascular conditions, nutrition/dietary choices, exercise and reproductive health, all in relation to the local lifestyle. Needless to say this has been highly informative for the ladies and has also proven the mums club to be a safe space to speak in confidence about issues often left unexpressed by women of the area. 

Looking to the future, our women’s empowerment mission would greatly benefit from diversifying the range of knowledge and skills we transfer. One such anticipated program would be the teaching of fashion, in both the technical construction and creative design roles. Ghana is home to a strong tradition of textile production and is especially renowned for vivid print designs. The market for contemporary designed West African heritage garments is strong within country and has the potential to gain a significant footing abroad. Yet even locally, the talent of a proficient seamstress is much sought after too. Her ability to create uniquely tailored clothing, for example special event wear, school uniforms or Ghanaian dress styles means her livelihood is not threatened by imports either. Unfortunately, the base is currently lacking the necessary equipment for the construction of clothing. Namely sewing machines, pattern cutting benches and fabric sheers, as well as sewing supplies such as threads, needles and buttons. 

Gender inequality leaves many of the women we have been working with distinctly disadvantaged by their society, too many ambitions go unachieved and too many hopes are unrealised. These women are very much aware of their position in the wider community but without support they are sadly unable to escape their heavy burdens or access any prospects of professional development. At the Kokrobite base here in Ghana it has been a pleasure to watch the aspirations of the first wave of trainees become significantly more achievable. 

In the coming months we will surely be able to implement the mum’s club empowerment format into several more partner schools. Introductory sessions are targeted to be held at the beginning of term in January 2020. As the fourth coming schools also teach up to junior high level, there is the exciting potential to initiate additional girls focused empowerment courses too, thus greatly expanding our reach and impact. Thank you to all our donors for your continued  support.

With Gratitude,

Ghana Community