A Tailor-made community
Samunnat Nepal is known internationally for its wonderful polymer jewellery. But in its local community it is becoming better known for its Didi-Bahini tailoring program.
Samunnat has always wanted to provide income-generation training that gives women a real chance of making an income. We have run many programs over the last 20 years. Apart from our successful polymer jewellery program, we have trained women in pickle-making, dairy milk production, book-keeping, organic gardening, agriculture and photo lab skills. However, not all training programs lead to a successful business. It is particularly challenging in Nepal at the moment: the state of the economy makes it hard for many well-trained people to find jobs.
The tailoring program is one that has really flourished and grown. Over more than five years, the program has grown a group of women who are establishing a successful business while skilling up women to return to their communities and start their own business.
The women are proud to support each other and build their presence in the community
Janice Laurent has just returned from her latest visit to Samunnat. Janice writes about the tailoring program…
When I returned to Birtamod in November I was blown over by the way the sewing ladies at Didi Bahini Design have progressed these past 12 months. Although I had regular zoom training with them from Australia, it was hard to really gauge what they were achieving on their own.
In 2024, we had hired two local women: Asha, skilled in design and business, and Sila, who had come through the Samunnat sewing program and then started her own business. She then came back to Samunnat to take up this senior position. They had worked together very well to promote our team and products locally and build a positive reputation.
Unfortunately, Asha had to resign due to ill health in early 2025 and I had thought we would need to find a new team leader. Instead, Sila stepped up, and she and her team far surpassed my expectations.
Samunnat has been able to purchase electric sewing machines to slowly replace their treadle machines - which still come in handy in the blackouts!
Sabita, Sunita, and Rupa all live at Samunnat after coming for help and support. They have children with them and Samunnat is paying for their education. They are excellent tailors and trainers - on par with many in Australia. They work efficiently without paper patterns, drawing and cutting garments quickly, while I mainly advise on style and professional shortcuts.
We have three new trainees who also came to Samunnat for help. They aim to eventually start their own home sewing businesses, and we will support them along the way.
The women share the ideas and expertise while they learn new designs
We're now selling select items online in Australia, starting small but aiming to offer garments suited for Australian women over time. We've also opened a retail space in our sewing rooms and added signage to our building. Our aim is to be totally self-sufficient.
I know we will produce great tailors who will train even more great tailors, cementing the futures of many women in Birtamod and the villages of Nepal. I am proud of these ladies and what they have achieved in such a short time; and the women of Samunnat should also be very proud.
Keep an eye on our shop over the coming year as our new products become available!