Global DAWN

The whirring sounds of seven sewing machines came to our ears as we walked through the dirty, damp slum streets of Dharavi, Asia’s largest of approximately nine million people, in central Mumbai/Bombay. These weren’t ordinary electric sewing machines purchased at Sears or Joann’s Fabric Store. They were pedal machines quite similar to the antique Singer machine showcased in our home. In an upper room next door to the offices of New Life Fellowship Church, above the stench of their surroundings, were 15 well-dressed women learning to sew. The pedals were flapping, the wheels were turning, and the needles were flying. Each of these women was painstakingly measuring, copying, and pinning newspaper patterns unto small bits of fabric, working diligently to learn the new skill. They would leave that afternoon with their first completed project, a top for their sari dress. These women are not allowed to work outside the home, but they can now begin to sew and tailor for their family, friends, and neighbors. I would guess that a small amount of rupees would be compensation for their work. But where do they get their sewing machines? I’d sure like to help.