FASHION LAB

Providing women opportunities for learning and economic independence.

The Mayamiko Fashion Lab workshop provides training in sewing and tailoring to marginalised women, many of whom are in some way affected by the HIV pandemic.

The problem

Women are disadvantaged from birth: fewer girls attend school and move on to secondary education than boys; girls and women carry the heavy load of child and family care. They often enjoy fewer rights than men, and rely on seasonal agricultural work to feed themselves and their children. Malawi, along with other countries in the region, also faces increased insecurity due to the impacts of environmental change. We asked women what skills they would find beneficial to give them the tools they needed to lift themselves out of poverty: the answer from the majority of women was tailoring and sewing. These skills are transferable and allow for flexible working arrangements, as well as always being in demand. With a desire to learn, a wealth of creative artisanal skills and a need for new opportunities, we saw a chance to build a new place for women to learn and thrive.

The SOLUTION

At the beginning of our journey in 2008 we decided to establish a fashion training centre on the outskirts of Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. Rooted in the ‘Trade not Aid’ philosophy, we saw this project as a way to teach transferable skills to women while promoting a more ethical and sustainable approach to fashion. The Mayamiko Fashion Lab workshop provides training in sewing and tailoring to local women, from pattern reading all the way through to finishing garments. We start by teaching how to make everyday necessities, such as school uniforms, nurses’ and doctors’ uniforms, nappies and towels, which go towards the large domestic demand. Our trainees can also join supplementary educational program covering jewellery making, literacy, maths, life skills, business and computing. When training is complete, the women are free to join our fair trade fashion workshop as apprentice, helping to make beautiful items that can be bought all over the world. While at the Fashion Lab, our trainees have the option to leave their babies and pre-school children in our nursery, where they are looked after and engage in educational activities. This ensures Mum can focus on learning, with the comfort their baby is well looked after. As well as this, we provide a nutritious meal for each trainee and their child every day. At the end of their training, our successful graduates received a recognised qualification from TEVETA. All graduates then have the opportunity to take out a grant to fund the purchase of a sewing machine, helping them start their own business. Some graduates decide to start working independently, while others join forces to set up local cooperatives.

Watch our process:

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Fashion Lab graduates now have a sustainable income source

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