Women's Sewing Project in Kakuma Refugee Camp

In the challenging environment of Kakuma Refugee Camp, a story of healing and empowerment is taking shape. At the centre of this story are the resilient women of the Kakuma Women’s Sewing Project, who have benefitted from Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities (HROC) trauma training. This powerful combination of trauma healing and vocational training is helping these women overcome their past struggles and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Many of these women fled to Kakuma after experiencing the horrors of war, violence, and displacement in their home countries, particularly South Sudan. The trauma of these experiences left deep scars, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. HROC training offered these women a chance to begin their healing journey. This trauma-informed program, conducted in Kakuma Refugee Camp, equips participants with tools to process their pain, rebuild trust, and foster inner peace.

The women’s HROC sessions created a safe space for sharing personal experiences, understanding the impact of trauma, and finding paths to recovery. By learning to identify and address the lingering effects of their past, they began the journey of reclaiming their sense of self-worth and identity. This healing process laid the foundation for their engagement in the sewing project, providing them with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

The Kakuma Women’s Sewing Project is more than a livelihood initiative; it is a lifeline for healing, empowerment, and self-expression. Through this project, women acquire valuable sewing skills that enable them to create marketable products such as garments, bags, and household items. The act of sewing itself becomes a therapeutic activity—offering a sense of focus, creativity, and accomplishment.

As they continue to sew, these women weave more than just fabric; they weave new stories of resilience and hope. Their creations reflect their cultures, telling stories of their heritage and dreams for the future. The project fosters a supportive community where women can uplift one another, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s growth. This sense of solidarity is critical to healing, as it replaces feelings of isolation with belonging and mutual encouragement.

The healing process does not end with HROC training or the sewing project. These women are using their newfound skills and support networks to transform their lives further. By generating income from their sewing, they are regaining control over their futures, supporting their families, and contributing to the camp's economy. Financial stability also alleviates some of the stressors that exacerbate trauma, providing a more stable environment for healing to continue.

Looking ahead, the women aim to expand their project and reach larger markets for their products. This growth would provide more women in the camp with opportunities to heal, learn, and earn. However, they face challenges such as limited access to resources and markets. Partnerships with external volunteers, organizations, and buyers can play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles.

The Kakuma Women’s Sewing Project and HROC training exemplify the transformative power of trauma healing combined with practical empowerment. These women’s stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of community-driven initiatives. As they heal and sew their way to a brighter future, they inspire others to believe in the possibility of hope and change, even in the face of adversity.