Fashion Show for Rural Women

Wednesday 9 March 2016

On February the 24th 2016, the Save the Children International DFID funded Women’s Wealth and Influence (WW&I) Project organized a fashion show for rural women. Representatives of women’s groups from 17 target districts participated in the event. The main idea of the event was to showcase the work of rural women with a focus on traditional handicraft and clothes. The objective of this show was to introduce and link these women entrepreneurs to the wider community and local authorities to create market linkages.   The women presented the clothes themselves, practicing and demonstrating their professional presentation and marketing skills.

The event also included an additional exhibition of handicrafts and clothes that were produced by women’s groups. Role plays that demonstrates local traditions further enhanced the programme. Representatives of Republican and Regional Committee for Women and Family Affairs, District Level authorities, a representative of DFID, the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of the RT, mass media and other important guests participated in the event. They very much liked the products produced and presented by the women’s groups and recommended to further pursue the production and marketing of the showcased products. They also provided recommendations on how to improve the quality of products and how to diversify the range of products. At the end of the event the authority of Regional Committee for Women and Family Affairs also invited some women’s groups to participate in regional and national exhibitions to be conducted on Mother’s Day.

Buhorieva Safargul, representative of the Republican Committee for Women and Family Affairs, Samizoda Sanavbar Zainullo, Head of Regional Committee for Women and Family Affairs of the RT spoke to each women’s group and asked questions about their products and overall activities. Samizoda Sanavbar is praising the products of the women’s group and makes recommendation on how the establishment of atlas (traditional silk fabric) weaving workshops could expand the range of products. “We need to revive the handicrafts of our ancestors. There is a high demand for Atlas and we should think about establishing atlas producing workshops in our districts” she said

Women’s group from Shuroobod District demonstrates their skills in pattering and embroideringYounger women demonstrated different types of bridal dresses worn by the different ethnic groups of Tajikistan. They also demonstrated what they wear at homeYounger and older women united on the catwalkAnd of course, a Save the Children event doesn’t go without children. WG members’ children participated actively in the event and were at the center of the fashion show

 “I’m thankful to Save the Children for arranging this event that gave rural women the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and their commitment to preserve and celebrate national traditions” stated Buhorieva Safargul, representative of Republican Committee for Women and Family Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan

Role play demonstrating national traditions like “Ordbezon” was demonstrated by WGs from Vakhsh District, where a mother-in-law blesses her daughter-in-law for her new life

A mother sings a lullaby for her child in a cradleAt the end of the event all women were invited to dance and sing.