Fatima was only 20 when she came to Australia from Afghanistan. Like many women from refugee or migrant backgrounds, she “didn’t know where to begin” in forging a sustainable career pathway that honed in on her existing skills, but also built on them. A year later, she heard about The Social Outfit’s Industrial Beginner’s Sewing Program from a friend. Thinking that “it was a great chance to learn more about sewing in Australia”, the then-21-year-old decided to join the program as a sewer.
“In my home country, I had some experience in sewing and fashion, but when I arrived in Australia, I didn’t know where to begin,” Fatima tells Missing Perspectives. “Everything was new and challenging, the language, the culture, and the work environment.
“My first month at The Social Outfit was very special. I didn’t just learn sewing, I also met kind and caring people. Everyone was very friendly and treated me exactly like family.”
The Social Outfit is an ethical fashion brand and social enterprise that trains and recruits women from refugee and migrant backgrounds in clothing design, production and retail. Founded in 2014, it has worked with around 1,350 refugees and migrants through its training and employment programs. This includes women from Afghanistan, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand and Ukraine.
In the four years she’s been with The Social Outfit, Fatima has developed expertise around sampling and sewing toiles.
“My sewing skills have improved a lot since I started,” she reflects. “At first, using the machines and some techniques was hard, but now I feel confident and proud that I can make beautiful clothes. In the future, I would like to learn more about fashion design, pattern making, and maybe also some business skills.”
She’s also been upskilling in soft tailoring for customers like the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. Back in June, the ‘Suiting Capsule Collection’, which Fatima has worked on, was displayed at The Social Outfit’s ‘Meet The Makers’ event in Sydney, which was co-hosted by the Governor-General.
“Seeing my suits on display at the Governor-General’s House was an amazing moment. It was such an honour to create something for someone who supports women like me. I felt very proud and happy. It was a great honour for me, and for all of us at The Social Outfit,” says Fatima.
“That project taught me so much about precision, attention to detail, and teamwork. There were many difficult parts that I had to learn and practise to get it right. And seeing it come to life made me feel proud, confident, and inspired.”
As well as seeing her work displayed at Admiralty House, Fatima did her first public speaking engagement on the day. Addressing a crowd of women across political, business, creative and social sectors, Fatima says she was initially nervous – but that all turned around very quickly.
“Before I spoke at the event, I was a little nervous, but after sharing my story and hearing people clap, I felt very happy and encouraged,” she beams.
As the youngest in The Social Outfit’s sewing room, Fatima is just as proud of her professional growth as she is of the personal confidence she has developed, and the meaningful connections she has forged. She describes the organisation as “a place where not only clothes are made but lives are rebuilt”.
“They wholeheartedly support migrant women – women who have left their countries and are now seeking a better life here… they support migrant women like me, and I feel I truly belong to the community,” she says.
“Every day I spend at The Social Outfit reminds me of the strength of migrant women—women who, despite all difficulties, stand tall, learn, and move forward. This company, by creating real opportunities for us, proves that when women are trusted, they can change the world.”
Fatima is already creating change. Five years on from coming to Australia, she’s excited for what the future holds.
“Life in Australia is very different from my country. Here I have more opportunities, more safety, and I can follow my dreams,” she shares.
“My dreams for the future are to keep improving my sewing, pattern making, cutting, and grading skills, maybe start my own business one day, and also to have a happy life with my family.”
Here’s to the next five years – in Fatima’s extraordinary journey – and beyond!
Top photo – Pictured: Fatima, Source: Supplied/The Social Outfit