Fashion with a good cause aims to empower Youth with Disabilities (YWDs), young women and single mothers through provision of a safe space, education and awareness about their rights. To achieve these, the project aims to provide vocational training in fashion design and art and basic education. The project also envisions, to close the gender gap in different levels of decision-making, ownership and control of key assets such as employment and finance. It further hopes to improve opportunities/create more and better jobs for YWDs, young women and single mothers as well as increase their capacity to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.

This project is part of an Empowerment Accelerator pilot grant in Tanzania. These grants are for previous Empowerment grantees that would like to deepen and/or continue their empowerment journey.

YEMCO’s Project Journey: Fashion with Good Cause

In Tanzania, a ripple of change began to spread through the “Fashion with Good Cause” project, spearheaded by the Youth Empowerment and Mind-set Change Organization (YEMCO). This initiative was more than just a project; it was a movement that sought to empower marginalized youth, particularly young women, single mothers, and individuals living with disabilities. Over twelve months, YEMCO embarked on a journey to uplift these groups, infusing creativity and economic opportunity into their lives.

The Birth of a Network

The first chapter of this journey saw the reactivation of an existing youth network. YEMCO’s team, with great enthusiasm, reached out to these young individuals who had previously been part of their community projects. The response was overwhelming, and soon, three new Village Community Banks (VICOBA) were formed. Each VICOBA became a sanctuary for ten young individuals, bringing together a diverse mix of experiences and challenges. Among them were young women, single mothers, and youth with disabilities—all united by a common goal of self-improvement and economic empowerment.

The selection process was thoughtful and deliberate. It considered various factors such as age, marital status, economic condition, and overall standard of living. The result was a balanced mix: ten single and young mothers, ten youth living with disabilities, and ten young individuals from challenging backgrounds. This diversity enriched the group’s dynamics, fostering an environment of shared learning and support.

To mark the beginning of their journey, these groups attended a two-day workshop. The event was graced by municipal and local leaders, including the district commissioner and youth development officer. Their presence not only lent credibility to the initiative but also signaled a commitment from local authorities to support these young change-makers.

A Month of Transformation: Vocational Training

The next chapter unfolded with a month-long vocational training program, focusing on fashion design and art. Sixty eager participants—comprising 20 youth with disabilities, 20 young women, and 20 single mothers—immersed themselves in this creative journey. The training sessions buzzed with excitement as participants learned the intricacies of pattern making, garment construction, fashion illustration, management, and merchandising. They delved into fashion marketing and explored the cultural significance of clothing and communication.

This intensive training was more than just a skill-building exercise; it was a transformative experience. The participants not only gained practical skills but also nurtured a sense of identity and purpose. The training culminated in a vibrant showcase where the young designers presented their creations, sparking inspiration and admiration among their peers and the local community. This event marked a significant milestone, as it was here that the idea of producing a short film about fashion and art began to take shape—a project that would amplify their voices and talents.

Empowering Spaces and Raw Materials

Following the training, YEMCO provided these young artisans with the necessary resources to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. For six months, they were granted access to raw materials and a dedicated workspace at YEMCO’s office. This space became a hive of creativity, where the participants honed their sewing and craft-making skills. They produced a variety of handmade garments, quilts, and crafts, catering to private customers and exploring new market opportunities.

One VICOBA group, in particular, demonstrated remarkable progress. Their dedication and skill led them to rent a separate office space, marking a significant step towards sustainability and independence. This achievement was a testament to the effectiveness of the VICOBA model in fostering financial resilience and entrepreneurship among youth.

Amplifying Voices and Building Connections

YEMCO’s efforts extended beyond skill-building and economic empowerment. The project actively sought to amplify the voices of rightsholders, ensuring their stories and talents reached a wider audience. Through strategic engagements with local government officials, media representatives, and the entertainment industry, the young participants found new platforms to showcase their work. The project also facilitated connections with other organizations, including Voice grantees like ICCAO, LARETO, and KYCO. These collaborations enriched the participants’ experiences, providing them with opportunities to learn, share, and grow.

In addition, the establishment of ‘Soko la Pamoja,’ a collective market platform, created a dedicated space for all things fashion and arts. The slogan “Sanaa na Uchumi” (Art and Economy) encapsulated the project’s ethos, highlighting the fusion of creativity and economic empowerment. Through social media and other digital platforms, YEMCO regularly shared lessons learned and success stories, further enhancing the project’s visibility and impact.

Navigating Challenges

Despite these successes, the project faced several challenges. Communication budget constraints and regulatory fees, particularly for YouTube, posed significant hurdles. Moreover, initial skepticism from government officials and stakeholders made it difficult to gain the necessary support. However, these challenges were met with resilience and strategic advocacy. The project’s inception meeting was a turning point, clarifying the goals and garnering broader support.

Financially, the project struggled with exchange rate losses, leading to a budget shortfall. The rising cost of living and inflation exacerbated these challenges, prompting YEMCO to request a budget and work plan revision from Voice. This adjustment was essential to accommodate the financial realities and ensure the project’s continued success.

Looking Ahead

As the project approached its conclusion, YEMCO reflected on the journey and the changes observed. While significant progress had been made in building individual capacity, the full impact on social actors outside the organization was still unfolding. The true measure of change, particularly in terms of network and coalition building, would become clearer in the coming months.

YEMCO remained committed to documenting and sharing these outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability. The organization’s dedication to supporting marginalized youth through creative and economic empowerment continued to be a driving force. The upcoming film launch, a highlight of the project, was eagerly anticipated. It promised to be a powerful platform to showcase the journey of these young talents and further amplify their voices.

Feedback and Future Collaboration

As YEMCO prepares for the next phase, the lessons learned and relationships built during this project will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future initiatives. The “Fashion with Good Cause” project has not only empowered individual participants but has also laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and creative economy in Tanzania.