Sewing project creates pathway to employment

The production of 13,000 pandemic service medals has provided meaningful employment for vulnerable women in Tasmania.

Be Hers Operations Manager Allison Levinson said the sewing project enabled the organisation to employ 45 women from a wide range of backgrounds.

“Be Hers worked with Foxhole Medals to produce the NSW Ambulance Pandemic Service Medal that recognises the amazing efforts, bravery, and personal sacrifice of its frontline health workers and personnel in relation to COVID-19,” she explained.

“This project provided meaningful employment for the women involved - it increased their independence, social relationships, and supported health and wellbeing.”

As well as financial support, the project offered an opportunity to build skills and knowledge for job readiness.

“These women were able to participate equally in society, feel valued, and develop friendships and social support networks,” Ms Levinson said.

CatholicCare Tasmania supported Be Hers to source, recruit, and support employees for the project.

“We were able to mobilise a significant number of women in a short amount of time,” CatholicCare Multicultural Service Programs Employment and Projects Facilitator Natalie Booley said.

“We held an information session and helped with the paperwork for applications.”

Ms Booley said for some women, this was their first experience of the workplace.

“It provided much-needed income, and so many other benefits,” she said.

“I had an asylum seeker family who were isolated and not connected to community. They made new friends during the project - it provided a safe space and an opportunity to make connections with women in similar situations.”

Ms Booley said many of the women faced challenges and unique barriers to employment.

“This has provided not only practical sewing skills, but an introduction to the workplace and a local referee they can now put on their resume,” she said.

“I hope it will encourage other employers to think outside the box.”

Be Hers aims to connect those who are vulnerable and exploited with those who are blessed with freedom through awareness, education, employment, and partnership.

“By educating and empowering everyday people to use their resources to help we can generate change across the globe,” Ms Levinson said.

“We exist to empower everyday people to make a stand against the injustice of slavery and exploitation. We believe that together we can make a difference and that through the simplest of acts we can create a ripple effect that generates change across the world.”