Bhutan is steadily progressing in every spectrum including women’s perception. Today, women in the country are not only seen breaking the age-old patriarchal beliefs but are also making a mark in a traditionally male-dominated sector. In Gelephu Thromde, women have outnumbered men in the tailoring business.
There are 15 tailoring shops in Gelephu Thromde. Of them, 13 are run by women. In terms of the number of employees also, they have more women than men. There are 30 female tailors while the numbers of male tailors are in single-digit.
For Tashi Dema, her tailoring business is her key source of income that keeps her house running.
“Actually tailoring is gainful employment. We can support our families and also my workers can support their families. The government is also empowering women like us through training, which is beneficial to us.”
She was among the 20 tailors, who underwent a month-long tailoring training on western garments in Gelephu recently.
Including her, there were 16 women participants and the other four were men.
When sought views from men on why their opposite gender is leading in the businesses, which are usually their forte, they gave different viewpoints.
For one of the male tailors, Tashi Tenzin, “it is not that men are disinterested in doing a tailoring business. We tend to switch from one business to another.”
According to another male tailor, Singye Wangdi, women are interested to do tailoring business as it is physically less stressful than other businesses.
“It is not a herculean task for women can sit near the tailoring machines and sew clothes, which is not physically exhaustive nor mentally taxing,” he added.
Meanwhile, women tailors said enhancing creativity and productivity in stitching garments was one of the key takeaways from the training.
They are hopeful that such training will encourage more women to try their hands at textiles or tailoring businesses.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Pema Lhaden
