WOMEN participating in the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme in Sophia are gaining practical garment-construction skills aimed at helping them generate income, establish small businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods.
The women are receiving hands-on training at the “C” Field Sophia Sewing Hub, an initiative of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security designed to equip participants with skills that can support economic independence.
During a visit to the facility on Wednesday morning, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Vindhya Persaud, viewed the participants’ work and heard about their progress in the programme.
The trainees showcased a range of items produced during their sessions, including curtains, aprons, laundry bags, skirts, pillowcases and other clothing.
Their work demonstrates how the training is allowing participants to apply their lessons in garment construction while developing practical skills that could be used to earn an income.
Minister Persaud commended the women for their efforts and encouraged them to work collectively, form a group and explore opportunities to establish a small business using the skills they are acquiring.
Such an approach, she indicated, could help participants move beyond individual training and towards creating sustainable income-generating opportunities.
The WIIN programme forms part of the ministry’s efforts to expand opportunities for women through skills training, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
By providing practical instruction in garment construction, the programme seeks to equip participants with a foundation for self-employment while creating opportunities for them to contribute to their households’ financial well-being.
The ministry’s initiative also encourages women to recognise the commercial potential of their skills, from producing household items and clothing to exploring small-scale garment-making ventures.
For the women of Sophia, the training offers an opportunity to turn newly acquired skills into practical products and, potentially, a source of income for themselves and their families.
