Solar-powered sewing workshop in Yaghnob Valley: new opportunities for women

2025-07-25 18:34

Mahtimain village, Yaghnob Valley (Tajikistan) – The first small solar-powered sewing workshop has opened in this remote mountain valley, offering local women a chance to earn income while using clean energy.

On July 20, 2025, staff from the environmental organization Little Earth and local residents inaugurated a small sewing workshop for women participating in the project "Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Women’s Participation in Yaghnob Mountain Communities." This is the first facility of its kind in the valley, where many modern amenities—including a centralized power supply—are still unavailable.

"The workshop will provide six local women with part-time employment and income from sewing and selling clothes and souvenirs, all powered by clean and affordable energy," says Anton Timoshenko, Executive Director of the Little Earth.

The workshop is housed in a small building provided by Rahmatzoda Surayo, a project participant. The space consists of one room and a hallway. The women were supplied with three professional electric sewing machines, an overlocker, and energy-efficient LED lights—essential for comfortable and safe work. All equipment runs entirely on solar energy.

"We are so happy to have such an unusual workshop!" shares Surayo. "The idea came two years ago when, thanks to the Little Earth, we went on a study trip and saw how women’s initiatives work outside our valley. But we never imagined it could be possible here!"

The workshop operates on a fully off-grid solar system, consisting of four solar panels (2400 W total), six gel batteries (600 Ah), a 3.5 kW hybrid inverter.

"Soon, we will organize a sewing training course for the women who will work here. A professional seamstress will teach them the basics," explains Anton Timoshenko.

Mahtimain village—like other project sites—is located within the Yaghnob Natural-Ethnographic National Park, established in 2019 to preserve the region’s unique landscapes and the traditions of the Yaghnobi people.

The project is implemented by the Little Earth with support from ForumCIV and in partnership with the Swedish organization Centralasiengrupperna. The knowledge and equipment provided contribute to sustainable community development and environmental conservation.

Timur Idrisov