Advertisement

Where sewing machines are status symbols

A story by Our Better World - simple, powerful stories that will make your heart smile and spirit soar.

Can sewing dolls really empower women?

Swags World thinks so.

In Atauro Island, Timor Leste, the 8,000-9,000 locals mainly work as subsistence farmers or fishermen, often struggling to make ends meet.

When the women of the UK-based social enterprise Swags World (Simply Women and Girls in a Sustainable World) first visited, they found that for the women, sewing skills were highly valued and sewing machines were seen as aspirational items and social status symbols.

Listening to the women’s stories, hopes and dreams, the Swags World team realised that if the women could learn new sewing skills and generate income to support their families, they would be empowered and respected within society.

The women of the island had set up a co-operative called Bonecas de Atauro and “already started something special”, says Jo White, the founder of Swags World.

“All we’re doing is guiding them through to maintain it, and sustain it,” she added.

Besides economic development, the co-operative aims to unite artisans, encourage respect for women and boost creativity.

As well as co-creating with the artisans, Swags World opens new responsible markets for the handmade dolls and soft toys, and shares the story of the artisans on their website so that consumers can understand the value of connecting with the person who created their product.

Women like Maturina de Arauio and Virginia Soares.

Maturina, the main designer at the co-operative, says she loves to make people laugh.

“Although we work hard, there are times when you just need to play and laugh and have fun.”

Virginia is the treasurer and has been part of the co-operative since the start.

She’s so convinced about the importance of the women coming together that she says: “One day, I would like to see my children working for the Bonecas de Atauro.”

As a social enterprise, Swags World is not looking for donations, just opportunities to spread their women empowerment mission, stories and products.

=======

How You Can Help

Follow SWAGS World on Twitter and Facebook for news and updates.

Read the stories of the artisan partners.

Visit the store to see the handmade products.