Stories in Every Stitch

An island where women with sewing skills are empowered and respected.

Can sewing dolls really empower women?

The women of UK-based social enterprise Swags World (Simply Women and Girls in a Sustainable World) think 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 Swags World team 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.

The women of the island had set up a co-operative called Boneca de Atauro and had "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.

Swags World partnered Boneca de Atauro with the aim of opening up new, responsible markets for the co-operative.

As well as co-creating with the artisans, Swags World also 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 Boneca de Atauro."


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

Since the publication of this story, Swags World has ceased operations. Do read on and watch the film to learn more about how this social enterprise had earlier worked with the women of Timor Leste.

Contributors

Cinematographer & Producer

Peter Wall