Dress Making Project

Project description and objectives

The goal of the project was to assist families impacted by the violence in June by providing tailor-made clothes to the women. This was a felt need among these women because they do not wear the western-style clothing being distributed. The clothes were made by Uzbek women also impacted by the violence, thus generating income for them. This also gave us another opportunity to spend time with the women, giving them social, emotional, and psychological support. The project was carried out in Jalalabat city and nearby areas.

Major Activities Completed and Results

The first phase of this project involved the making of warm vests called kamsurs for women. We started in Tash Bulak, where women live a village existence and wear this kind of garment more. Some 53 vests were distributed in or near this area. Women in the other affected areas were not interested in receiving kamsurs.

The second phase involved tailor-made dresses. A total of 198 dresses were distributed in the affected areas in Jalalabat city.

For both phases of the project, CDI provided the materials and community members had the dresses made. All the women who received kamsurs or dresses expressed gratitude for the help. Many commented that other organizations had given them foreign clothing as humanitarian aid that they would never wear. They said they were happy to get “real”, locally made clothing that was new and not used. Many commented that they were happy to have something new to wear for the New Year’s holiday or for upcoming family weddings and celebrations.