04-07-2024 | di COOPI

Lake Chad. Sewing empowers displaced women to regain control of their future

The Lake Chad Basin remains the epicenter of a troubling humanitarian crisis in the region, which is the result of continued attacks by non-state armed groups, the consequences of climate change, and high rates of poverty and underdevelopment. Because of this never-ending crisis, the number of displaced people in the region continues to grow. Among them is Halima, who, however, did not let frustration overwhelm her: she discovered a new passion and turned it into a job. For many displaced people like Halima, the sewing course organized by COOPI thanks to the United Nations Peacebuilding Funds (UNPBF) has not only been a hobby, but also a chance for a new start, a place to regain their psychological well-being.

Halima was only 11 years old when her life was turned upside down by the conflict. Originally from a small village in Lake Chad province (Djoukouli), she had spent a peaceful childhood with her family, doing household tasks and attending the village elementary school. However, increasing violence in the region, caused by the presence of non-state armed groups, forced her and her family to flee their home and take refuge in a camp for internally displaced persons.

Life in the displaced camp is difficult: resources are limited and the future is uncertain. The days go by, punctuated by waiting and the hope of one day being able to return home. It is in this context that COOPI- Cooperazione Internazionale, launched the project “Gender and Peace: let's mobilize for an inclusive peacebuilding process in Lake Province.” The project is funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the British government and aims not only to develop the ability of women's organizations, but also to promote socioeconomic activities directly among women and young women.

Among the many initiatives of the project, sewing workshops were organized for vulnerable girls and women from the displaced camp and host communities. Halima, curious and motivated, signed up as soon as she heard about this opportunity.

Getting started was a challenge for Halima, who had never used a sewing machine. However, with the patient guidance of the instructors and her commitment, she quickly learned the basic techniques. Sewing workshops not only teach technical skills, but also provide a space for psychological support and personal development.

Halima learned how to make clothes, accessories and even decorative items. She also enrolled in literacy classes and developed business skills by learning how to calculate costs and set prices, which helped her see sewing not just as a hobby, but as a real business opportunity.

Today, at 16, Halima is not only a talented tailor's apprentice but also an inspiring young entrepreneur. She dreams of one day opening her own tailor shop and training other displaced girls, sharing her skills and enthusiasm.

Halima's story shows that even in adversity it is possible to build a better future. That is why COOPI's Gender and Peace project supports women like Halima not only by offering them vocational training, but also by focusing on their well-being so that they can regain hope and a desire to take action.

COOPI has been working in Chad since 1976, intervening with a multi-sectoral approach. In the Lac and N'Djamena regions, it provides emergency education for internally displaced children and local communities, offers psychosocial support to victims of trauma, and promotes peacebuilding, with a special focus on women's empowerment, gender-based violence and discrimination, and conflict prevention.