Threads of Progress: Empowering Women and Reviving Traditions
Dr. David Okello (2024)
Threads of Progress is a transformative skills exchange training program that empowers women artisans in Western Kenya by preserving cultural traditions while equipping them with modern skills for economic independence. Established in Siaya county in 2006 with the support of Safaricom Foundation, the initiative later received backing from Africa Women Development Fund and Urgent Action Fund. Although Threads of Progress was born out of the experiences of Pendeza Weaving Project, it has grown into an independent program focused on skills development and economic empowerment.
For decades, many women—formerly fishmongers—have faced socio-economic challenges and exploitative practices such as the “sex for fish” trade, leading to health risks like exposure to HIV. Threads of Progress provides these women with dignified and sustainable livelihoods through organic cotton farming, textile production, and skill-sharing initiatives that restore their financial independence and sense of purpose.
A Sustainable Model: Skills Exchange and Economic Empowerment
Threads of Progress operates as a platform where experienced artisans mentor younger trainees in traditional hand-spinning and weaving techniques while also providing training in business management, financial literacy, and digital skills. By integrating sustainable cotton farming with textile craftsmanship, the initiative enables women to earn a reliable income while contributing to ethical fashion and environmentally friendly textile production.
Beyond financial empowerment, the program fosters mental well-being. The repetitive and meditative nature of weaving has proven therapeutic, helping women heal from past traumas, including poverty, discrimination, and loss. The supportive community created through Threads of Progress further enhances emotional resilience and collective strength among participants.
Preserving Culture While Adapting to the Future
One of the key missions of Threads of Progress is to ensure that traditional hand-weaving techniques are not lost. By passing these skills down to younger generations, the program safeguards Kenya’s rich textile heritage while integrating modern advancements such as e-commerce, website design, and AI-driven fashion tools. These digital skills allow artisans to expand their market reach and compete in today’s fast-evolving global economy.
Additionally, Threads of Progress incorporates creative therapy into its approach by collaborating with initiatives like Healthy Minds Africa Collective Initiative. Through music and craft therapy, the program enhances mental well-being, demonstrating how cultural traditions and modern innovations can coexist to create holistic development opportunities for women artisans.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Like many community-driven initiatives, Threads of Progress faced significant hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic downturns led to reduced sales, placing many women at risk of returning to informal and exploitative trades. However, through innovation, diversification, and increased training in digital entrepreneurship, the program adapted to new market conditions, ensuring continued support for artisans.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Sustainability
Threads of Progress is more than a training program—it is a movement that empowers women to take charge of their futures. Plans are underway to expand the program to additional counties, reaching more women with skills that promote self-reliance. Future initiatives include integrating AI-powered mental health screenings and expanding financial literacy training to equip artisans with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly digital economy.
With ongoing support from partners and donors, Threads of Progress continues to create opportunities that go beyond textiles. By investing in skills development, mental well-being, and economic empowerment, the program is weaving a brighter, more sustainable future for women and their communities.
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