Social Enterprise Helps B40 Women Create Sustainable Incomes
Empowering Women through Tailoring
In a suburb in Ampang, Selangor, a social enterprise known as Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ) is transforming the lives of B40 women. Stitch by stitch, these women are putting their tailoring skills to good use, sewing their way to a sustainable income and financial independence.
Inspiration from a Mother’s Charity Work
KTJ’s founder and chief executive officer Yap Sue Yii was inspired to set up the social enterprise by her mother, Ng Yin Mei, a 65-year-old housewife who dedicated her life to charity work. Yap shared, "My mum is very hands-on and loves DIY projects. When I was young, she always brought me along when she did her charity work."
Empowering Women through Skills Training
In 2018, KTJ started with a small group of five women and has since increased its membership to over 340, with 50-60 tailors actively involved at any given time. The enterprise’s mission is to empower women, including single mothers and housewives, by giving them a way to contribute financially to their families. Yap explained, "We assessed each woman’s abilities and craftsmanship, then trained them to make more complex items, such as pouches and laptop sleeves, which offer higher earning potential."
Partnerships and International Sales
KTJ’s strong partnerships with corporate clients, who account for 80% of its sales, have contributed to its success. The enterprise has also expanded to international markets, receiving orders from countries like Singapore, Japan, and Dubai. Yap noted, "Our clients love that these items are easy for international delegates to take home. We work hard to stay competitive, but if prices are too high, clients cannot support us long-term, but if they are too low, we cannot sustain the community."
Crafting the Future
KTJ aims to achieve RM1 million in sales by the end of this year and is exploring the idea of upcycling to align with corporate environmental, social, and corporate governance goals. Yap envisions transforming unused materials into functional items, such as corporate merchandise, to further its sustainability mission.
Conclusion
KTJ’s impact extends beyond providing side income: B40 women have the chance to gain financial independence, boosting their self-esteem and giving them a sense of purpose. The ripple effect spreads across their families, with children witnessing their mothers contributing to household income.
FAQs
- What is Komuniti Tukang Jahit?
Komuniti Tukang Jahit is a social enterprise that empowers B40 women through tailoring, providing them with a sustainable income and financial independence. - How many members does KTJ have?
KTJ has over 340 members, with 50-60 tailors actively involved at any given time. - What is KTJ’s mission?
KTJ’s mission is to empower women, including single mothers and housewives, by giving them a way to contribute financially to their families. - Where can I learn more about Komuniti Tukang Jahit?
You can learn more about KTJ through its website.