Soraya’s journey from a woman with limited employment opportunities to a successful self-employed entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, skill-building and strategic entrepreneurship. Previously, as a landless woman earning just US$13 per month from sewing, her financial independence was minimal. However, in January 2024, she gained new skills in tie and dye, learning fabric selection, dye mixing and colour fixing. This training became the catalyst for her transformation, enabling her to launch her own business.
With her newly acquired expertise, Soraya invested in two sewing machines, tie-dye pots and an oven to enhance the dyeing process. Her existing sewing skills complemented her tie-dye work, allowing her to create unique, vibrant designs. This combination gave her a competitive edge, attracting a diverse customer base and expanding her market reach. She leveraged satisfied buyers and local traders for business promotion and maintained connections with design experts at the district level to stay updated on market trends. By blending traditional patterns with modern designs and experimenting with fabrics and colour combinations, she diversified her product line and increased sales.
As a result, her annual income rose to US$720 — US$15 per month from sewing and an additional US$45 per month from tie and dye. Financial literacy and business planning sessions equipped her with the skills to manage finances, expand her business and make informed decisions. Her income not only strengthened her financial position but also enabled her to invest in her family’s well-being, covering essential expenses like nutrition, healthcare, school uniforms and home improvements.
Initially sceptical, Soraya’s husband supported her enterprise by funding raw materials worth US$42. Seeing her success, he shifted his perspective on women’s work and now advocates for cultural change in the community, promoting women’s entrepreneurship. His involvement also helped facilitate vendor-led training on tie and dye using silk fabrics, expanding Soraya’s skill set. Additionally, an LSG connected her with other entrepreneurs, helping her access new markets and suppliers.
Soraya’s achievements earned her recognition as a role model in her community. Her influence extended beyond her business, leading to her inclusion in decision-making processes for poverty alleviation programmes. Committed to uplifting others, she purchased a used sewing machine for US$27 and has since provided free training to four women — two of whom have successfully launched their own businesses. Soraya’s journey reflects not only economic empowerment but also a broader shift towards gender equity and community-driven progress.
