Zar Zar, a woman equipped to take care of herself and her family
Twenty-nine year old Zar Zar, from Myanmar is a financially independent tailor. Her previous profession as a farmer did not pay well and jobs were scarcely found after the harvest season. But with the support of her community and World Vision, she became a tailor who earns double what she used to earn.
After finishing a sewing course, Zar Zar learnt the basic techniques of sewing but she did not feel she learnt enough to attract customers. She was disappointed.
“I did not get much customer at that time because they (the course) did not teach me properly. So, basically I was on my own at the start,” said Zar Zar.
Soon enough Zar Zar responded to an opportunity with World Vision Myanmar to attend six courses in tailoring.There was one catch – the studentsneeded to commit to sharing what they learn with others. Zar Zar started the course and was delighted when she knew she can complete the course in increments to allow for the birth of her child. During the pregnancy Zar Zar spent time with reading sewing books, and revising what she had learnt earlier. The day finally came when Zar Zar made a baby dress for one of her neighbours. The neighbour liked her sewing and the word spread throughout the village. Zar Zar has finally become a tailor who had customers.
“I was really happy when my neighbour liked the dress I made for her baby. After that I started to feel like I can do more in the future,” said Zar Zar.
Zar Zar is now earning a stable daily income of 4,000 Myanmar Kyats - an improvement to the daily wage of 2,000 Myanmar Kyats as a farmer. She does not rely on her husband for money and can take care of herself and her daughter. As a mother, Zar Zar wants her daughter to grow up in safe and protected environment and she believes that this new business will help support her daughter’s future.
Zar Zar has not forgotten the promise she made to World Vision. She is teaching what she learnt to girls who are interested in tailoring.
“It was always my dream to become a tailor and make money with my hobby and I want all the other girls in the village to be free and independent. That is why I’m teaching these two girls who come to my place and learn sewing ” said Zar Zar.
Zar Zar is now a woman able to create a better future for her family. World Vision Myanmar has started the economic development projects in Zar Zar’s Township two years ago to empower women and equip them with life skills through vocational trainings.
Zar Zar is now a woman able to create a better future for her family. World Vision Myanmar has started the economic development projects in Zar Zar’s Township two years ago to empower women and equip them with life skills through vocational trainings.