A group of women from different backgrounds are tackling unemployment and gender-based violence in the Kouga area — one stitch at a time.
The idea to empower women through sewing is the brainchild of a local woman-owned business, Be Original, and non-profit organisation One Village.
It was all systems go once the two decided to join threads.
During one of the most recent sewing events, the women cut, stitched, sewed and ironed pieces of material to make bunting flags according to the unique Be Original style.
The session marked the start of The Butterfly Project, which organisers say was inspired by Revelations 21 verse 5.
The verse reads: “The Lord is the only one who can make things new again. He can take what is damaged and hurt and make it new.”
Be Original owner and The Butterfly Project founder Bernadette Swartz said they would be working closely with various organisations to uplift and empower women adversely affected by gender-based violence, as well as those facing difficult circumstances.
“We want to create sustainable employment opportunities by teaching these women sewing and entrepreneurship skills by producing Be Original products,” Swartz said.
Products include handbags, pouches, jewellery, clocks, and key rings.
During production, not an inch of material goes to waste as each piece of material or off-cut is transformed into different items.
“We have already identified several farms where this project will be implemented in the near future,” Swartz said.
