In Pema Gatshel, 19 women from Shumar Gewog learnt how to turn plastic waste into colourful baskets. Though the training helped these women learn new skills and empowered them to strive for financial independence, they say the training duration of two weeks was short. Participants say such training not only serves as an alternative source of income but also teaches the community about recycling. Meanwhile, the Pema Gatshel district administration says, more of such training will be explored for women in the district.
These busy women from Shumar Gewog are weaving baskets from discarded plastics. In the two-week-long training, they learnt to weave two types of baskets.
However, these women are not done yet and want to learn more patterns of basket weaving if given the opportunity.
“There are many interesting designs, but due to the shortage of time we could not learn all of them,” said Nidup Zangmo, a resident.
“It is difficult to get plastic bags. We brought it from Nganglam for use during the training. As time is limited, we could not collect plastic waste,” said Tashi Wangmo, another resident.
With the women insisting on longer and similar training, the Pema Gatshel Dzongda Tashi Daw said the district administration is exploring more training options.
“If you all still want more training such as weaving foot mats, carpets, and all, we will provide full support. We can invite the trainer again.”
Participants say the impact of this training goes beyond just providing an alternative source of income for women.
They said it educates their community about the importance of recycling and other sustainable practices.
“If we can weave baskets from trash, it will also help reduce waste. As farmers, we are happy to have gained such skills,” said Phuntsho Choden, a resident.
“We can even contribute to keeping our environment clean. And there is also an opportunity to earn from it,” said Nidup Zangmo, another resident.
“Now, after this training, we will collect plastic waste, weave baskets, and sell it. Some villagers are saying it looks good and are asking us to weave one. So, I am thinking about it,” said Tashi Wangmo, who is also a resident.
These women will weave three baskets in a week and supply them to the Cottage and Small Industries’ sales counter at Tshelingor in Zobel Gewog.
The training was funded by Helvetas Bhutan under its Decentralisation and Local Governance Project.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sherub Dorji
