The main objective of the project was to support IDP and refugee women in camps and allow them an opportunity to practice some work that raises their financial and mental states. The women who participated in that project assisted their families. The main goal was to empower women in camps and build their capacity to run their households and manage their affairs in the camp. The project also participated in creating a suitable environment that assists in improving their affairs.
Sewing Hope is a practical project with far-reaching benefits for the individuals involved. With the purpose of helping women in refugee families to contribute to their household income, Sewing Hope employs women from refugee camps around Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Participants receive a monthly income, which not only enables them to contribute to their household resources, but also engenders self-esteem, a sense of accomplishment, and connects them to the world outside of their immediate environment. Women participate in the production of traditional textile items and sew them into unique, well-made bags that appeal to a global market.
Refugee women, especially mothers, are often left behind during the resettlement process. In many cases, adult males go straight into the workforce where they can form bonds and begin to navigate their new home. But as the primary caregivers for children, women carry heavy emotional burdens and are negatively impacted by disrupted family and social connections.
The sewing lessons were conducted in a built-up structure that serves as the camp’s main hall and recreation center. The Sewing Hope team worked with 16 freestanding home sewing machines, teaching 20 refugee women who were pre-selected based on criteria stipulated by the Sewing Hope team. Sewing Hope adopts a holistic approach to teaching, designed to build upon the refugee women’s basic sewing skills by using easy-to-follow standardized patterns and instructions.
Media Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmLmPEvf21s
https://www.facebook.com/bringhope.info/posts/pfbid02uFrhjqNDAA2ewUfaWo2upJAaZYznszWazC2saqorJJQYH3TFXFRbE6RKw586zuRTl
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/my-weekly/20180818/283055530244610
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