During the September school holidays the Kalaidhoo Community Centre filled with students who gathered for a week-long embroidery camp organised by the local NGO Kalaidhoo Wings. For many of the participants, it was their first experience learning how a simple needle and thread could slowly form patterns and pictures on fabric. Under the guidance of trainer Ms. Fazeela Ismail, the students spent each day practising basic embroidery techniques,...
What began as an A-level Travel and Tourism assignment at Villa International High School grew into a real industry event when six determined students set out to organise a seminar that would highlight the role of women in the Maldives’ tourism sector and give students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in the field. Within a month, the group had planned the seminar, secured sponsorship, and invited speakers. With...
In one home in Thinadhoo, an aspiring entrepreneur has been preparing natural wellness products And balms made with familiar island ingredients In 2025, a small grant from the Atmosphere Foundation helped support her next step. With a basic labelling setup that includes a printer, waterproof label sheets, and simple cutting tools, she is now able to produce durable labels that clearly identify each product and its ingredients. Key Facts •...
In Ihavandhoo, a group of women gathered each morning around a row of sewing machines learning a practical skill that could shape their livelihoods. For ten days, fifteen participants worked through the basics of sewing while also exploring how these skills might grow into small businesses. The machines used during the training were already part of the community, previously provided to the Maldives Women’s Association by the Pakistani High...
For one creative week in Kulhudhuffushi, participants gathered to learn the craft of punch needle embroidery. Guided by Ms. Aminath Shihana, 25 women learned the particular art of pushing yarn through fabric with a punch needle to form raised, looped patterns that build colourful textured designs. Slow and careful first attempts settled into place and by the end of the week, their finished pieces represented growing confidence and pride in...
In Vaikaradhoo, a small group of women gather each month around tables covered with textile and soft filling as their careful stitches and patient hands bring to life the brightly coloured fabric turtles and crabs meant for tiny hands. It began as a training programme in 2023 and has now grown into a livelihood initiative benefitting 14 households. In 2025, the women produced their first full batches of soft toys through a partnership supported...
