Sewing
and Social Justice
Taller de Corte y Confeccion / Mujeres de Amatitan
The mission of the Women's Sewing Project of Amatitan (Taller de Corte y Confeccion / Mujeres de Amatitan) is to improve the welfare of local women through job training, employment, spiritual development, and social support. This project was developed in conjunction with efforts from members of OLQM Project Nicaragua, and is currently being funded by Mary's Pence. Mary's Pence is a non-profit Catholic organization that supports projects that empower economically disadvantaged women throughout the Americas, through the fostering of feminist and gospel values.
The sewing project is intended to benefit many, and may lead the way to future economic self sufficiency. Participation by women in a local sewing project has the potential to produce systematic social change. Items created by the sewing project are intended for local consumption, and include school uniforms, sports outfits, articles for religious celebrations, liturgical banners, folkloric dresses, and other items that help preserve the community's rich cultural and religious heritage. Access to sewing equipment, materials, and job training will provide opportunities for women to assume active leadership roles in the economic development of the community.
By the simple act of coming together in faith, the women of Amatitan help each other grow in spiritual development while at the same time overcoming social and economic injustices. It provides for community building by giving the women a sense of belonging, and a resource for developing self-esteem. Foreign-owned sweatshops offer no transferable employment skills. By acquiring skills related to multiple aspects of sewing production, these skills can be applied to other projects and aspects of their lives, thus reducing the current social injustices in employment. The participants of the Amatitan sewing project will serve as role models for each other and for generations to come.
Our
Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish
53 Prospect Road
Centerport, NY 11721
Phone:
(631) 757-8184
Fax: (631) 757-8181
E-mail: rectory@olqmparish.org
© 2008