Women Empowerment Archives - Time to Help (UK)

Empowering Women Through Tailoring

What is the Tailoring Course?

We have set up a tailoring course in Wakiso, Uganda, specifically for low-income women and single mothers. This program is structured over three terms, with each term welcoming 35 women for an intensive 240 hours of training. The curriculum blends hands-on practice with theoretical knowledge, ensuring participants become skilled tailors ready to take on the world of garment creation.

At the end of the course, participants sit exams accredited by the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports. Those who pass receive a nationally recognised certificate, a powerful credential that opens doors to employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.

Why is This Course So Important?

In many parts of Uganda, particularly in low-income areas, women face significant barriers to finding stable, well-paying jobs. This economic challenge often limits their ability to provide for their families, affecting access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities. The tailoring course tackles this head-on by equipping women with a marketable skill that can generate a sustainable income.

Research suggests that when women earn an income, they invest heavily in their families’ well-being. For example, the extra money from tailoring can cover school fees, medical expenses, and better nutrition, directly improving living standards. Beyond economics, tailoring is a creative and fulfilling craft that allows women to express themselves while building confidence and independence. It’s also a skill that can be passed down to future generations, creating a legacy of self-sufficiency.

The impact doesn’t stop at the individual level. By empowering women, the course strengthens entire communities. As families gain financial stability, local economies benefit, and children have better opportunities to thrive. It’s a ripple effect that can transform lives for years to come.

Comprehensive Support for Success

We don’t just teach tailoring and send participants on their way. We provide a holistic support system to ensure long-term success. After completing the course, graduates receive assistance with job applications, helping them secure employment in the tailoring industry. For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, Time to Help supplies materials to start their own businesses, such as fabric and tools, along with financial resources to get them off the ground.

The cost of supporting one woman through this journey is surprisingly affordable. For instance, £300 covers a three-month training term, including tuition and supplies. An additional £25 per week ensures each participant has transport and meals, removing barriers to attendance. And for £100, Time to Help UK can provide a sewing machine, giving a graduate the tools to launch her own tailoring business. These figures highlight how even small donations can make a significant impact.

A Collaborative Effort

The tailoring course is a collaborative project, with Time to Help UK partnering with organisations like Time to Help Netherlands and Nile Humanitarian Development Agency to deliver the program. The training takes place at a vocational training centre in Wakiso, where experienced instructors guide participants through a rigorous curriculum. The course runs five hours a day, weekdays, balancing practical sewing techniques with theoretical lessons on garment construction and design. This structured approach ensures participants gain a deep understanding of the craft, preparing them for real-world challenges.

How You Can Get Involved

If this initiative inspires you, there’s a way to get involved! Time to Help UK welcomes donations to keep the tailoring course running and to expand its reach. Your contribution could fund training for a woman, provide her with a sewing machine, or cover her daily expenses during the course. Every little bit helps, and together, we can support more women in building brighter futures for themselves and their families. Visit the donation page to learn more about how you can make a difference.

A Bright Future for Uganda’s Women

Time to Help’s tailoring course is a shining example of how education and skill-building can transform lives. By empowering women with the ability to earn a living, the program is not only changing individual trajectories but also uplifting entire communities. It’s a reminder that small, targeted interventions can have far-reaching impacts, especially when they prioritise empowerment and sustainability.

Aspect	Details
Location	Wakiso, Uganda
Target Group	Low-income women and single mothers
Duration	Three terms, 240 hours per term
Participants per Term	35 women
Certification	Nationally recognised by Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports
Support Provided	Job applications, business startup materials, financial resources
Cost Breakdown	£300 for training, £25/week for transport/meals, £100 for a sewing machine
Partners	Time to Help Netherlands, Nile Humanitarian Development Agency

Until next time, stay inspired!

Blessing’s Story

In the heart of Uganda, a remarkable young girl named Blessing is living a life that exemplifies resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. At just 14 years old, Blessing is in year seven and aspires to become a scientist, but her journey is far from ordinary. She faces a daily challenge that most of us can hardly imagine – the lack of access to clean water.

Blessing’s dream of becoming a scientist is fuelled by her insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Despite the numerous obstacles in her path, she remains unwavering in her determination to achieve her dreams. She envisions a future where she can make a difference in her community and contribute to the scientific advancements of her country. But in order to pursue her education and dreams, Blessing faces a daily ordeal that many of us take for granted – fetching water.

For Blessing and countless other children in Uganda, access to clean water is a daily struggle. Instead of focusing solely on her studies and pursuing her passion for science, Blessing is burdened with the responsibility of carrying water for her school and home twice a day. This is not just a physical challenge but also a tremendous drain on her time and energy.

When I had the privilege of visiting Blessing’s school, I had the opportunity to experience her daily routine firsthand. Together, we carried containers filled with water from a distant source, and it was an eye-opening experience. The weight of the water felt heavy on my shoulders, and I could only imagine how challenging it must be for Blessing to do this every single day.

Carrying water with Blessing was a humbling experience that highlighted the importance of empathy. It allowed me to better understand the daily struggles that Blessing and many other young girls like her face in their pursuit of education and dreams. It also reinforced the significance of the work being done by organisations and individuals dedicated to improving access to clean water in Uganda and around the world.

Blessing’s story is a reminder that access to clean water is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental human right. It should not be a barrier to education or hinder the dreams and aspirations of young individuals like Blessing.

As we reflect on Blessing’s journey, we are called to action. We are responsible for supporting initiatives that aim to provide clean water to communities in need, ensuring that children like Blessing can focus on their education and chase their dreams without the burden of carrying water.

Blessing’s determination to become a scientist despite the daily water challenges she faces is truly inspirational. Her story reminds us of the resilience and strength that can be found in the most challenging circumstances. As we strive for a world where every child has access to clean water, let Blessing’s story serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of dreams and determination. Together, we can help Blessing and others like her turn their dreams into reality.

Yusuf Celik

Head of International Programmes

Yusuf Celik
Head of İnternational Program Manager

Time to Help (UK)

Charity Clean Water Community Uganda Water Women Empowerment

Our UN CSW67 Panel on Period Poverty

Period poverty is a global issue that affects millions of women and girls, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of access to menstrual products, facilities, and education can have severe physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and girls. To address this issue, Time to Help (UK) recently organised an event titled “Period Poverty and Its Impact on Women’s Education in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The event featured a panel of experts from different fields, including education, public health, and development, who shared their insights and experiences on how period poverty affects women’s education in sub-Saharan Africa. The panellists discussed possible solutions and strategies to address this issue.

Dr Jennifer Martin, an award-winning researcher, technical specialist, and activist, spoke about the stigmas around period poverty and its impact on women’s health. Carrington Baker, the founder of For Women By Women, Period, shared her experience of fighting period poverty and changing the stigma around menstruation within different cultures and for the next generation. Ibrahim Yunus, a distinguished individual passionate about education and charitable work, spoke about how period poverty affects women’s education.

According to a UNESCO report, one in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle, translating to about 20% of their school year. The lack of access to menstrual products and facilities and the stigma associated with menstruation can make girls feel embarrassed and ashamed, leading them to miss school or drop out altogether. This can have long-term consequences for their education, economic opportunities, and overall well-being.

Time to Help (UK) is a non-profit organisation that aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Their programs focus on areas such as education, health, water and sanitation, and livelihoods. They are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and they believe that access to education and menstrual health and hygiene are fundamental to achieving these goals.

The event was informative and inspiring as it provided insights into the challenges faced by women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa and the possible solutions to address them. The panellists’ experiences and expertise showcased the importance of collaboration and innovative approaches to combat period poverty and promote gender equality.

Overall, the event was a reminder of the urgent need to address period poverty and its impact on women’s education in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. It highlighted the importance of taking action to ensure that every woman and girl has access to menstrual products, facilities, and education, to promote their well-being and empower them to reach their full potential.

Ladies’ Coffee Mornings: Building Community and Improving Mental Health

At Time to Help UK, we believe in the power of community and connection. That’s why we’re excited to announce our latest initiative: ladies’ coffee mornings in temporary refugee hostels. These events bring together asylum seekers and our volunteers for a morning of arts and crafts, coffee, and snacks. But beyond just providing a fun and social activity, these coffee mornings significantly impact the mental health and sense of belonging of those who participate.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a refugee is feeling isolated and disconnected from one’s community. This can be especially true for women, who may face additional barriers to accessing resources and building connections. Our ladies’ coffee mornings provide a safe and welcoming space for women to come together and form friendships and support networks.

Participants in our coffee mornings reported feeling more connected to their community, hopeful about their future, and less isolated. One asylum seeker, Fatima*, shared, “I came to the coffee morning feeling very alone, but now I have made new friends and feel like I belong here.“

In addition to the social benefits, our coffee mornings also provide an opportunity for participants to engage in arts and crafts activities. These activities are known to positively affect mental health and well-being, as they offer a creative outlet for expressing emotions and promoting relaxation.

“It is so nice to come and do something creative; it helps me forget about my problems for a little while,” shared another participant, Rania*.

At Time to Help UK, we are committed to supporting asylum seekers’ mental health and well-being. We believe that building community and providing opportunities for connection, and self-expression are crucial components of this work. We are thrilled to see the positive impact of our ladies’ coffee mornings and look forward to continuing this initiative in the future.

Please consider supporting our cause by donating, volunteering or reaching out to us for more information.

*Not real names.

Charity Community Donation mental health Refugee Volunteer

With a little money to hardly subsist on, how would someone improve family income and gain financial stability?

In developing countries, a sustainable source of income is of vital importance. Considering the conditions in a developing African country, it should be anticipated that the investment has to be minimal to seek greater returns. The Egg Poultry Project addresses the problems with sustainable solutions and even provides better opportunities for individuals.

First off, unlike cattle raising, it is much easier and requires less effort and investment to raise a chicken. Although they eat a lot and may finish their feed in a short time, they are very easy to feed because they can eat whatever they find on the ground. A small field in a backyard is enough to feed them. They can be kept safe by making a coop with some wire and wood. A minor fee of vaccines can protect them against possible epidemics and diseases. It costs a little to raise a chicken when all the expenses are considered.

Most importantly, chicken poultry investment earns out at a rapid rate. Chicks begin to give eggs at the fifth month. A hen can give an average of 15 eggs per month. 15 hens can produce 225 eggs per month and 2700 eggs per year. On the other hand, eggs can be left to hatch and make a flock to sell in a bazaar.

Besides being a source of money, chicken is indeed a source of high protein and rich nutrition. It is quite important especially for children where every year 3.1 million child dies due to malnutrition. Raising chicken enables children to get sufficient protein intake to grow up healthier.

Lastly, they empower women. Despite all the disadvantages of geography, men can find work more easily than women. This project aims to support women and make them easier to contribute to the family economy. Strengthening the economy will improve the quality of life of family members and provide a direct positive contribution to health and education.

All in all, poultry is an impactful and sustainable solution for malnutrition, woman empowerment and financial development in a family income for better living standards.