Stitching Lives with a Needle and Thread

Forty-year-old Farwin, a happily married woman and accomplished tailor from Kalmunai, shared her journey of self-discovery through the activities of the Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum (MWRAF) in collaboration with Diakonia, and how it enabled her to help others along the way.

Her story began in 2004, when the Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum (MWRAF) established three training centres in response to the aftermath of the tsunami. These centres provided training for women affected by the disaster, offering crucial support for those striving to rebuild their lives amidst the devastation. Over the years, the training and provision of machines were supported by many organisations, including Diakonia. In 2023, Diakonia continued its support by funding the training programmes.

For many in these communities, finding alternative ways to earn a living and secure employment became an urgent priority. The sooner they found a source of income, the sooner their families could return to normalcy – children could go back to school, the elderly could access medication and care, and families could once again put food on the table.

“I was just an ordinary person, reserved and timid. But after the training and empowerment sessions I received through MWRAF, my life changed. I was not only able to provide for my family, but I also found myself. Through my engagement with MWRAF, I have gained confidence and can now train and teach others a skill that will help them earn an income,” Farwin explained.

Seeing her potential and dedication, MWRAF assigned her to manage one of the three centres. This new role opened doors to further learning and growth. Beyond tailoring, Farwin participated in various training programmes that broadened her knowledge, including a basic understanding of rights, Muslim personal law, gender, domestic violence, and counselling. She shared:

These trainings have given her skills and confidence to better support her students and community in more meaningful ways. She believes that even the simple act of learning to sew and use a needle and thread holds immense value.

“I have been teaching now for 20 years and find that I also learn from the young people that I teach. We help each other,” Farwin said with a smile.

Over the years, she has learned how to gain the trust of students, identify those who have family issues, give them a listening ear, and support them in resolving their issues. The training centre is a safe space for all those who attend, and it is clear when talking to her students that they adore her. The students not only focus on the class but also often engage in other community work that the information centre carries out. Farwin is grateful for the guidance and support she receives from MWRAF to continue her passion.

Over time, MWRAF has reduced the number of training centres. Despite this, Farwin continues to manage her assigned centre. In 2023, the addition of newly purchased sewing machines brought new opportunities, allowing her centre to enrol and teach more women. Farwin’s approach goes beyond teaching technical skills like sewing, using a block, and operating a sewing machine. She also integrates concepts of equality, understanding of Muslim personal laws, and the importance of empowerment and self-worth.  

Through this holistic approach, she helps women gain practical skills while also encouraging them to explore complex ideas that can transform their lives and communities.

Determined to further enhance her skills, Farwin faced challenges due to the lack of sewing machines capable of advanced stitching, so she sought help from male tailors in the area. At first, they were reluctant to engage with her, but as they observed the quality of her work, their attitudes shifted, and they came to respect her efforts and skills. One tailor, impressed by the quality of the clothes she produced, agreed to send her orders.

Recognition from male tailors in the community was a milestone, marking a significant step forward for her. While feeling happy about these achievements, Farwin uses her experience to inspire young women to embrace challenges and find ways to become self-reliant. She continues to teach with the same passion and dedication, while also setting her sights on further refining her tailoring skills in the future.