In the early days before Basadi, the women came together not only to mend fabric, but also to mend the sense of isolation they felt in a post COVID world. What began as a simple weekly recreational gathering soon evolved into a vibrant social hub where fabric design, food, and stories were shared. Women from diverse backgrounds and cultures found connection through their shared passion for sewing.
Some had been skilled seamstresses in their home countries, while others were picking up a needle and thread for the first time. Regardless of experience, every stitch carried meaning, and each piece of fabric told a story of resilience, adaptation, and hope.
As the sewing program grew, so did the demand for their craftsmanship. It became clear that this was more than just a hobby, it was an opportunity to make a lasting impact in their community.
Recognizing this potential, a research initiative was launched to explore the possibility of transforming the sewing program into something greater: a social enterprise. Through focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and case studies of successful employment based social enterprises, key insights emerged. The findings reinforced the idea that an employment based social enterprise could provide meaningful work, financial independence, and skills development for mothers in the neighbourhood.
A SWOT analysis highlighted strong community support, an existing interest in sewing-related opportunities, and an increasing demand for sustainable, ethical fashion alternatives. However, it also revealed the need for structured leadership, capacity building, and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term success. Additionally, the research pointed to a growing market for sustainable fashion, alterations, and upcycled garments offering an opportunity to align their skills with broader social and environmental impact.
From this vision, Basadi Sewing was born in 2024. Named after the Sesotho word for “women,” Basadi Sewing was created to empower newcomer moms by transforming their talents into meaningful employment. Through this initiative, participants can earn an income while championing slow fashion, repairing garments, upcycling old fabrics, and reducing waste.
More than just an income-generation opportunity, Basadi Sewing also serves as a revenue stream for underfunded mothers’ programs. This ensures that the support network for these women continues to grow alongside them, and that the cycle of empowerment continues for years to come.
What started as a simple gathering has now blossomed into a thriving social enterprise, one that stitches together not just fabric, but futures.
Testimonials from Basadi Students
“Welcoming, kind, patient, knowledgeable facilitators.”
“Love all the teachers and the class!! They are great at making sure to help whenever someone needs it.”
“This program has given me confidence and a sense of belonging.”