The project aims to empower women from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab regions in Pakistan to earn a living from home by starting up their own self-sustaining tailoring business. This allows them to support their family by making garments, doing embroidery work, repairs and alterations. Mothers and widows will have an opportunity to use their skills to rise out of poverty and work towards a self-sufficient livelihood.
 
Owning a debt-free sewing business allows these women to gain economic independence whereby they would not be able to due to cultural taboos of women not being encouraged to work outside of the home. It will give them the opportunity to do something meaningful even with limited education, helping to empower them within their households and communities.
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Basic business practices, as well as assistance and training will also be provided where needed to enable these women to make the most out of their sewing machines.
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Just £70 can provide one woman a sewing machine and the opportunity to start her own debt-free business. To contribute towards this worthwhile project, donate through our crowdfunding page.
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Read our recent case studies below from our previous fundraising campaign:

- TAHIRA

Tahira has 5 sisters. Another one of her sisters knows how to sew along with herself, and their mother does beautiful embroidery patterns and mirror-work. Sadly, her father is paralysed, so is unable to work and support the family.This machine means a lot to Tahira's household as they are able to use their skill-set in sewing and embroidery to earn a more substantial income for their family.

- TAYYBA

Tayyba’s mother is ill and her father is a rickshaw driver. Income from rickshaws isn’t the most reliable or lucrative. She has two other sisters and they are unmarried. Within South Asian culture the burden on the bride’s family is heavy and wedding ceremonies are expensive. Tayyba’s family are currently unable to afford to marry the sisters. This machine will help support the family as well as contribute towards their future.

- RABIA

Rabia’s father passed away a couple of years ago and she is now responsible for her 6 sisters and 1 brother, who is the youngest. She is responsible for earning money to pay for her siblings’ education, as well as buying food and daily essentials. Rabia currently works as a teacher and sews on the side. Teaching doesn’t earn her enough to pay for household expenditures, so the sewing machine would allow her to sew more often and increase her earnings to support her family.