Migrant dressmaking job programme for trafficked women receives gift from Gucci

A group of Nigerian women who were trafficked to Italy to be forced into sex work have found new employment in a handbag and dressmaking shop called The New Hope Tailoring Cooperative in Caserta, Italy.

The shop, and the Nigerian women working there, were recently given 4,000 meters of premium surplus textiles from Gucci’s philanthropic environmental initiative, Equilibrium. Equilibrium also seeks to distribute additional remaining leather and fabrics to other organisations that work with marginalised groups.

The job initiative was declared in Rome, with a fashion show put together by the Nigerian dressmakers with help from a group of Italian design students who taught them how to sketch and sew the designs of the displayed outfits. The clothing featured a mix of Gucci silks, cottons, and satins with vibrant African prints.

Sister Rita Giaretta, who runs a home for rescued migrants in the southern city of Caserta, told the New York Times about the project’s goal of giving women a sense of dignity through work, while reducing their dependence on outside help.

“Giving them their dignity means putting them back on their feet and believing in themselves and not only as in a situation of need,” Giaretta said.

Between 10,000 and 30,000 Nigerian women are believed to be currently engaging in sex work in Italy. Many of these women are coerced into the sex trade in order to pay off debts to human smugglers who made arrangements for their travel to Italy.

The Italian government has boosted its funding to assist migrants who are trying to get off the streets and into safe homes, but advocates insist that there still are not enough facilities to meet the needs of the community.

TMP – 27/06/2018