Tailor Training: Opening Up Creative Space for Women

In mid-2025, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran held a community service activity in the form of tailor training. This program was aimed at residents of Cikeruh Village, Jatinangor District, and successfully attracted 15 participants, mostly women, who wanted to learn new skills and open up opportunities to increase their income.

The training began on April 20, 2025, and was held regularly every Sunday from June to July 13, 2025. During the activity, participants received direct guidance from two experienced instructors, Mrs. Reni Taviriani and Mr. Iwan Purnawan. They not only taught the basics of sewing, such as recognizing tools, how to use machines, and making simple patterns, but also assisted participants in producing ready-to-wear products.

For the women who participated, this activity provided dual benefits. On one side, they acquired practical technical skills that could be used immediately. On the other side, sewing training opened up opportunities for greater independence, both economically and socially. With these skills, participants could try to start small businesses, sell handmade products, or simply help meet their own families’ needs.

Some participants are still very young and are not yet able to use needles or sewing machines. For them, embroidery courses are provided as a safer alternative. Towards the end of the activity, on July 13, 2025, the best embroidery works will receive special prizes as a token of appreciation.

Besides being a learning tool, the training also became a space for social interaction. Participants were able to share stories, encourage each other, and build meaningful relationships outside of the training. This shared space fostered a sense of confidence that they were capable of developing their potential, regardless of their limitations.

This simple initiative proves that women’s empowerment does not always have to be through large-scale programs. Through everyday skills such as sewing, women can gain new opportunities for development. This sewing training is a concrete example of how small steps can have a big impact in paving the way for independence, prosperity, and equality for women at the community level.