Stories of Hope
At Threads of Hope, we believe in the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of sewing. Here, you’ll find the journeys of women and girls who have turned their sewing skills into a source of empowerment, hope, and independence.
Where are these stories from?
These stories come from my time volunteering at a vocational center in Lahore, Pakistan, called Zaib Iqbal, where I worked with young girls learning sewing as a way to build their futures. Many of them came from difficult financial backgrounds, but with determination and skill, they began turning sewing into a source of income. My role was to support them not only in refining their craft but also in exploring ways to sell their handmade items, both locally and online, so they could earn a living and move closer to their dreams.
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My grandmother's story
My grandmother grew up in a small village near Islamabad, where the hum of her sewing machine became part of the home’s soundtrack, a steady rhythm that carried through decades of work and care. She learned to sew as a young girl and quickly became the person everyone turned to, stitching Eid clothes with delicate embroidery, piecing together warm blankets for cold winters, and mending whatever families brought to her doorstep. Her tiny workspace, often just a corner of the house, was always filled with colorful fabrics, spools of thread, and half-finished projects that showed how much love she poured into her craft. Sewing was not just a skill for her; it was a way of supporting her family, contributing to her community, and expressing creativity in a life shaped by simplicity and hard work. Through every dress and every blanket, she stitched a quiet legacy of dedication, patience, and care that continues to inspire the generations after her.
Sawaira's story
Sawaira, the fourth of six siblings, grew up in Okara, Pakistan, where financial struggles were part of daily life. Her brother, who works long hours as a Foodpanda delivery driver, once came across a building offering free education for girls- a discovery that changed her path entirely, called Zaid Iqbal. She moved into a hostel near the vocational center to learn sewing, determined not just to better herself but also to support her family. With her new skills, she dreams of turning her craft into a source of income by opening online stores on platforms like Shopify, where she can sell her handmade clothing and accessories to a wider audience. For Sawaira, each stitch represents a step closer to lifting her siblings out of hardship, helping her parents, and proving that with determination, even a young girl from Okara can transform her future and become a successful entrepreneur.
Ramaysa's story
Ramaysa, a single mother from Rawalpindi, built her life around her love for cooking, working long shifts as a chef at Eggspectation, where she mastered everything from breakfast classics to desserts, but she knew she needed broader skills to create a better future for her son. Determined to grow, she enrolled in evening classes in IT, Shopify store management, advanced cooking, and even basic electrician training, wanting to understand every part of running a business on her own. Balancing motherhood, work, and studying was difficult, but each skill she gained brought her closer to her dream of opening her own small café and online store. For Ramaysa, learning wasn’t just self-improvement; it was a step toward independence, stability, and a life she could proudly build for her son.
Tayyaba's Story
Tayyaba has always dreamed of becoming a doctor, dedicating herself to long hours of study at medical school. But when she couldn’t afford the high exam fees, her path forward seemed uncertain. Refusing to give up, she turned to another skill she had developed- sewing. What began as a hobby quickly became her lifeline, as she started designing clothes and handmade items to sell online. Through digital platforms and social media, Tayyaba is now building a small business from her creations, using each sale to support her education. For her, sewing is more than a craft- it is the bridge between her present challenges and her future ambition of wearing a doctor’s coat.​
