My time with the ‘Palmy Bunting Ladies’

I am a student of Development Studies at a leading University in New Zealand, and as part of my internship, I had the amazing opportunity to assist a group of Afghan women who are always energetic and hard at work cutting and sewing triangular-shaped pieces of cloth stitched into beautiful strands of colourful bunting.

The ‘Palmy bunting ladies’ as they are now officially known, gather every Friday from 12pm to 3pm at Blueprint Makers’ space situated at the Palmerston North City Library. They sell their colourful craft at a retail shop, Be Free Grocers and have a stall at the Makers’ Market in Square Edge, Palmerston North and other craft markets. Their lively interactions amidst their busy work helps them engage with the community and welcome anyone who would like to support their venture and join in their shared cultural experience. Apart from the three regular Afghan women with whom I got to share a great deal of time and learning experience, there were several other women of former refugee backgrounds who would drop in from time to time and lend a hand to support this joint venture. This initiative, supported by the Red Cross branch in Palmerston North, PNCC Library and New Zealand Red Cross Migration team has provided these driven women the opportunity to interact with the community, create friendships and also gain confidence while also creating a sustainable alternative to disposable decorations, which can be used for any occasion.

 

The bunting in use indoors and outdoors 

These women, for various reasons, find the sewing group as a source of support and companionship. Despite their personal commitments the group voluntarily comes together as a collective every week, as the sewing provides them with much needed ‘creative arts therapy’ to help them get through the busy-ness of the rest of their week. On days that they can’t make it to the sewing group, they make sure they take time for themselves.

Sewing is a skill that many of the ladies learned at a young age; taught by their mothers and grandmothers as an essential skill for women as part of running a home. Therefore sewing is probably a way for them to also remember their families, home, and life back in the day; it is a chance to also reminisce about the good times. The lovely ladies also take great pride in their sewing and are becoming very particular about neatness in the final product. The support of the Red Cross, PNCC Library and other volunteers given to this group has given these ladies a chance to hone their talent and at the same time get mass support for their craft.  There is also a Karen lady who joins the group on most Fridays; but enjoys her knitting space while the other ladies are at work sewing the bunting, again emphasizing a shared experience of companionship. Albeit keeping to herself, mostly due to the language barrier, this Karen lady finds pleasure and satisfaction in her knitting and the feeling of being a part of a group of women that don’t expect anything from her. This is a practical example of Regina Scheyvens’ ‘subtle strategies’ that are geared towards empowering more women within communities through soft tactics rather than confrontational ones, to positively change and enhance women’s lives.  A way in which women can reassert themselves in their communities through practical improvements in their lives, building confidence that strengthens and increase their power.

Me with the sewing group - Palmy Bunting Ladies

I got the opportunity to witness their growth first hand. Starting from the basics of cutting, matching, sewing and ironing to more complex tasks like selling the bunting at craft markets, to the present where they are poised to reach an even wider audience by now going online. This is nothing less than developing entrepreneurship and support through capacity building. Most of the materials are either donations or provided by Red Cross from time to time as demand for new bunting arises. They have also been very patient with me, watching and helping me attempt my hand at sewing along with another volunteer from Red Cross. Empowerment is mutual as learning anything new is a proverbial feather in our caps. But mostly, I have been involved in cutting, using a template. As I became a part of the group, I witnessed marvelous changes in their personal lives as well, where one became a proud grandmother, and another got her driving license and later officially became a citizen of New Zealand. I observed and was bare witness to how each member of the group approached their independence and highlights in their lives differently. Sometimes language can be a barrier but here at the sewing group a collective determination, focus and creativity do the talking! It’s important to support local business not just for reasons that belie strong stories of capacity building, but also because it is sustainable.