Refugee Sewing Collective
The Gii Refugee Sewing Collective formed in early 2022, when several Afghan refugee women in the Austin area - all of them skilled seamstresses - expressed interest in sewing and selling goods in their new community.
These women and their families fled Afghanistan as part of the 2021 evacuation during the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Several local community volunteers quickly stepped up to help the collective by donating fabrics and thread, funding purchases of supplies, facilitating logistics, promoting the collective and organizing pop-up sales at church and community events. This effort merged with Gii’s drive for donations of sewing machines and other supplies.
Culturally, many Afghan women stay home to care for the house and children (typical families have about 6 children). Here in Austin, many Afghan refugee women have no transportation and very limited English skills. Yet, these women are vibrant, capable, and creative. They want to contribute to the family income. They also want to be part of the wider community, have opportunities to apply their skills, to learn, and to help others.
Gii is empowering the Collective by supporting its operations and promoting its goods and services in the community. Our volunteers close the transportation gap and bring the work to the seamstresses. We overcome the language barrier by using translators and apps. We also work to support the members of the Collective in their integration in the community. With the help of volunteer drivers, the seamstresses attend ESL classes twice a week. Volunteers help members of the collective with school enrollments, social services applications, drivers ed, and more.
Refugee Arts and Crafts Bazaar
The Global Impact Initiative (Gii) was honored to partner with the GreaterAustin YMCA to host a refugee arts and crafts bazaar on December 30, 2023. The event was made possible by the incredible work of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, as well as the tireless dedication from Gii volunteers and YMCA staff.
EVENT SUCCESSES
22 vendors from Afghanistan and Ukraine
400+ attendees
$20,000+ in sales during the 4-hour event, with all proceeds going to the vendors.
4 refugees have since received work contracts
2 refugees have been offered full-time employment
Stay tuned for future Refugee Arts and Crafts Bazaars!
““I saw so much joy and
motivation from refugee
vendors who were hoping for a
miracle, and you made that
happen!””
How can you help?
Volunteer your time to help operate the Collective and support its members.
Donate fabrics and supplies: Click the ‘Contact Us’ button to send an email to coordinate.
Give us business: Purchase our goods at events, or let us know of any alterations, upholstery or sewing needs for you, your family, or your organization. Our online store is coming soon!
Donate funds to support events and volunteers involved in the collective. We use donations to reimburse purchases of supplies to supplement donated supplies, and reimburse our volunteers for gas and other expenses.
Spread the word!