Zet Covers Sewing Studio and Training Facility
We Heart All is helping in this initiative by attempting to garner attention and support from individuals and organizations passionate about empowering marginalized communities. In an effort to support the women of Lira, we are aiding in creating this training facility and woman-owned business.
With our collective efforts, we hope to secure additional sewing machines, a secure facility to house the machines and provide a safe environment for training and employment, further ensuring that more women will receive training and find gainful employment.
Lira, located in northern Uganda, has been deeply affected by decades of conflict and displacement, leaving many families shattered and women vulnerable. Some women in Lira have turned to prostitution as a means of survival. The prevailing socio-economic conditions, including lack of job opportunities, extreme poverty, and limited access to essential resources, further exacerbate the challenges faced by these women and their families.
Challenges Faced by Women in Lira, Uganda
In Lira, Uganda, women face several challenges that can be overcome with the acquisition of skills. Here are some of the challenges faced by women in Lira and how they can overcome them through skill development:
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Limited income opportunities: Many women in Lira struggle to find sustainable sources of income to support themselves and their families. By acquiring skills such as sewing, they can start their own businesses and generate income. Setting up a pedal sewing machine in front of their homes allows them to offer tailoring services to their community, creating a steady source of income.
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Lack of education: Education is vital for personal development and expanding opportunities. However, financial constraints often prevent women in Lira from accessing education or paying school fees for their children. By learning sewing skills, women can generate income to support their children's education and overcome the barrier of limited access to formal schooling.
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Gender inequality and low social status: In Lira, women often face social and gender-based discrimination, which leads to lower social status and limited decision-making power within their families. When women acquire skills and become self-employed, their social position improves. By contributing to the family income, they gain recognition as valuable members of the community, leading to increased respect and improved treatment within their families.
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Low self-esteem: The lack of skills and opportunities can contribute to low self-esteem among women in Lira. However, by learning and mastering sewing skills, women gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Seeing the tangible results of their work and being able to contribute to their families and communities can significantly boost their self-esteem.
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Economic empowerment: Skill development in areas such as dressmaking, shirts and pants making, alterations, and uniform production equips women with marketable skills. By utilizing these skills, women can establish their own businesses and become economically independent. This empowerment not only improves their financial stability but also gives them a sense of control over their lives and futures.
Overall, by providing women in Lira with skills such as sewing, they can overcome various challenges they face, including limited income opportunities, lack of education, gender inequality, low social status, and low self-esteem. These skills not only enhance their economic prospects but also contribute to their personal growth, empowerment, and improved social standing within their families and communities.
Objectives
Our project has two primary objectives:
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To empower women who are affected by poverty and provide them with training and employment opportunities.
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To improve the well-being of single mothers and their children by offering them a stable income, proper housing and nutrition, and access to education.