“I was lucky enough to recently travel to Zambia in Africa to see how women in developing countries are undertaking training in sewing & tailoring as a means of social & economic development.” - Janine

Janine Nutley from Spotlight’s Kawana Waters (QLD) store recently travelled to Zambia in Southern Africa. One of the world’s poorest countries, around 51 per cent of Zambia’s population is reportedly living on less than one dollar per day.

“The program I visited, on the outskirts of the capital, equipped young women within the community with the tools and training, as well as the incentives through sewing, to become self sufficient, and improve their day to day lives,” says Janine.

“I was really impressed by the spirit of the women in the community, their passion and sewing skills, workmanship and ability to learn new techniques in often challenging environments. It was truly absolutely amazing.” This is not Janine’s first trip to Africa.  In 2007 she travelled to Uganda to see machines in use from Spotlight’s Stitch in Time programme.

“Africa has a colourful variety of fabrics to offer a keen sewer like myself,” she says. “In Zambia I saw unique hand dyed and hand painted fabrics and beautiful printed and woven cottons.  There was no shortage of earthy tribal prints - some more like works of art than fabrics you would create garments with.”

Janine says she found many similarities between herself and the women. “Even though we’re from such contrasting environments, it’s nice to know that whether you are sitting in your sewing room at home in Australia or sewing in a small community area of Africa, we get the same sense of satisfaction we take out of our handiwork.”

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