SWALA Programme — Women's Tailoring and Economic Empowerment
Chikopelo Bwawani, Bahi District
Since 2016 the SWALA programme has supported the "Nguvu Kazi" women's tailoring group at Chikopelo Bwawani, Bahi District, producing kitenge products and washable sanitary pads.
Since 2016 the SWALA programme has run tailoring activities at Chikopelo Bwawani village under the group named “Nguvu Kazi”, which has seven women members engaged in sewing linen products and various materials under the close supervision of CMSR-Tanzania. The programme is supported by CMSR Italy (Centro Mondialità Sviluppo Reciproco).
The Swala collection
Hand-made items produced using kitenge fabrics: shopping bags and handbags, favour bags, pouches and pencil cases, small bags and accessories. Production takes place in Chikopelo village for Bottega del Mondo in Livorno, Italy.
Objectives
- Empower the women's group economically through tailoring of women's products.
- Promote menstrual hygiene management through tailoring of washable sanitary pads for secondary school students.
- Empower women to be self-reliant and self-employed.
2025 achievements
Vitenge fabrics were selected and purchased in Dodoma markets with the programme coordinator and Italian volunteers, then transported to Chikopelo where 600 favour bags were produced and delivered to CMSR-Italy. The programme was promoted through Instagram and Facebook, and field visits to Chikopelo provided technical assistance and community engagement.
