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The Fatma Story: From Unemployment to Economic Empowerment Through Tailoring Skills with NCA’s Swahili Coast Project

 


By Khelef Nassor

Fatma is a young woman from Chake-Chake, Pemba, whose journey reflects resilience, hope, and transformation. After completing her secondary education - Form Four at Shamiani Secondary School, Fatma had high hopes for her future. However, reality hit hard when she found herself at home, unemployed, and without any income-generating activity. With no source of financial independence, she struggled emotionally and economically, feeling increasingly uncertain about her path forward.

After completing her Form Four education, Fatma remained at home without any income-generating activity. This situation left her in distress, as she struggled to meet her personal needs and felt powerless due to her financial dependence. The lack of opportunities not only affected her economically but also emotionally, as she longed for a sense of purpose.

One evening, while visiting a friend known as Samha Ali, Fatma’s life took a turn for the better. During their conversation, she learned about training opportunities provided by Norwegian Church Aid - NCA under the Swahili Coast Project funded by Norwegian Embassy, specifically on tailoring. Instantly, she knew this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.

Without hesitation, Fatma followed all the necessary procedures, including writing an application letter to NCA’s office. Her commitment and determination paid off she was successfully enrolled in a three-month tailoring training course aimed at empowering young women and youth.

During the training, Fatma was introduced to foundational tailoring skills. She learned how to read measuring tapes, take body measurements, cut fabric accurately, and eventually sew complete garments. Her journey began by using newspapers to practice patterns before progressing to real fabric, and she gradually advanced to sewing actual clothes for women and children.

Upon completion of the course, Fatma emerged with formal skills in tailoring. She describes this moment as a turning point in her life the time when she transitioned from being idle to becoming a productive and self-reliant young woman. Her new skill gave her not only a source of income but also restored her confidence.

"When I was just sitting at home with nothing to do, I felt like my life was stuck. But when I joined the tailoring training, I found new hope. Now I have a skill that gives me purpose, hope and an income." said Fatma.

Fatma chose to specialize in sewing women's clothing, having identified a high market demand in Pemba. Her designs are now gaining popularity within her community, and she is beginning to establish a loyal customer base. She sees this niche as a sustainable path to long-term economic empowerment.

Financially, her progress is remarkable. What once seemed impossible is now a reality Fatma earns approximately Tsh 100,000 per month, which was unimaginable before she joined the training. With each passing day, her reputation grows, and she remains hopeful that her monthly income will continue to increase.

"I never imagined I could earn this much. Now I make around Tsh 100,000/ a month, and I believe it will only get better," she said

"Every piece of clothing I sew is proof that my life has changed. I’ve learned that you don’t need an office job to succeed even a small talent can lift you up." She added

Her mother, Bi Amina Ayoub Mohammed, recalls how difficult that period was for their family. Seeing her daughter idle at home without any opportunity to move forward in life caused her sleepless nights. As a parent, she worried about Fatma’s mental well-being and her vulnerability to negative societal influences.

"Every day I would see my daughter just sitting at home, with no job and no hope. It was very painful for me as a parent. But now my heart is full of joy. Fatma has a skill, she is independent, and she is respected in the community. I thank God and all those who helped her especially NCA for opening this path for her," said Bi Khadija joyfully.

Fatma with her mother, Bi Amina Ayoub, and sister at their home sharing a moment of togetherness and support in their daily life

According to Doreen Bwogi, the NCA Project Coordinator for the Swahili Coast Project, Fatma represents exactly the kind of impact the organization aims to achieve. “Fatma’s journey is a beautiful example of how a single opportunity can transform a life. Through her hard work, she has become a role model for other young women in Pemba showing that with the right support, economic empowerment is possible even in the face of adversity.”

Doreen adds, “We are proud of Fatma’s progress and resilience. She has not only created a source of income for herself, but she’s also contributing to social stability by avoiding risky behaviors and inspiring others to pursue skills that bring dignity and independence. We see her as a future trainer and leader in her community”.

Looking ahead, Fatma dreams of expanding her tailoring business. Her goal is to establish a formal tailoring shop that not only boosts her economic status but also serves as a training center for other women. She envisions a space where she can teach tailoring skills to others for a fee thereby creating a ripple effect of empowerment in her community.

Fatma said "My dream is to open a tailoring shop and help other women learn this skill. I don’t want to succeed alone; I want my journey to be a path for others too."

The NCA Project Coordinator for the Swahili Coast Project, Doreen Bwogi, alongside Fatma during a follow-up on her progress

Despite her success, Fatma faces challenges, the biggest being a shortage of sewing machines, which slows down her productivity. She appeals for support to acquire more equipment to scale up her work. Fatma strongly believes that tailoring has shielded her from risky behaviours' and extremist groups by keeping her engaged and self-reliant. She encourages other youths to pursue practical skills and stay away from harmful influences that can disrupt peace in the community.

Fatma’s story is powerful evidence of the transformative impact of skills training for youth and women. Through opportunity, determination, and support, she has redefined her future from economic despair to becoming a beacon of resilience and inspiration in Pemba.

The "Swahili Coast Project" aims to build community resilience in Southern Tanzania by promoting interfaith dialogue, youth economic empowerment, and strengthened gender and reproductive health. It focuses on creating inclusive spaces for peace discussions, addressing gender issues like teenage pregnancies through advocacy, and reducing drivers of conflict. Key outcomes include youth accessing economic opportunities, enhanced dialogue on conflict prevention, addressing root causes of conflict, and improving Sexual Reproductive Health Rights-SRHR for women and adolescents.


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