Gam’s Ngatu Sekame tailors sew their way to self-reliance

“This is what I depend on to support my family,” says 32-year-old Tuerimuna Tuahuku, who runs a small tailoring business in Gam, Tsumkwe constituency, built through the UNFPA Safeguard Young People (SYP) sewing project.

Tuerimuna is one of five women who run the local workshop.

Together, they named their business the Ngatu Sekame Sewing Project. In Otjiherero, Ngatu Sekame translates to "Let's Stand Up", a name that reflects their collective drive for self-reliance.

The workshop in Gam is one of two local tailoring projects established in the Tsumkwe constituency with the support of the UNFPA SYP programme. To help the beneficiaries build a functioning business, the programme supported the project by procuring domestic and industrial sewing machines, as well as fabrics and accessories required for clothing production.

UNFPA also trained the beneficiaries in basic financial literacy coupled with comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), ensuring the empowerment was both economic and social.

Local business

Working from a central location in Gam helps the team attract regular business from the local community. They produce a wide variety of items to meet daily local demands.

“We make shirts, dresses, pants, skirts and even duvet covers,” Tuerimuna says. “Because our shop is centrally located, it is easy for customers to walk in. Everyone comes to us with requests, even for small things like adjusting their pants.”

The money generated through these daily orders goes directly toward meeting the basic needs of her immediate and extended family.

“This project is my only source of income, and it helps me provide for my child and siblings,” Tuerimuna says. “The money we make pays for food, clothes and our everyday necessities at home.”

To reach more buyers beyond their immediate neighbourhood, the group uses creative local and digital marketing methods. They utilise social media platforms to showcase their work and set up stalls to exhibit their garments during the monthly pension distribution days when community members gather.

Hopes for expansion, more skills

While the business keeps her family afloat, Tuerimuna wants to refine her skills to capture a larger market. She wants to move beyond standard garments and dive into modern fashion design.

“I am calling for more advanced training on how to cut and sew fabric so that I can make fashionable clothing,” Tuerimuna says.

“I want to expand this business to other regions of the country. My goal is to have people from other villages, towns and regions buying my products.”

Despite these hurdles, Tuerimuna views her selection for the project as a major turning point and hopes other young people can access similar platforms.

“I was very fortunate to be awarded this opportunity to be mentored and trained to sew and make an income for myself,” Tuerimuna says.

“I thank UNFPA for this. I wish youth here could have more opportunities like the one I was given.”

She encourages members of her community to take a proactive approach to their futures, rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them. “I encourage other young people not to just sit at home. They should join the project or explore other available opportunities that can help them build a livelihood.”

- UNFPA Namibia