Mar 2

Mar 2 S jo Diary: Pakistan Trip

accessories, ethical fashion, fashion, Handmade, shop, artisanal fashion, womens agency, women's empowerment, craft, heritage craft, fine arts and crafts

The December/January trip to Pakistan had many exciting new beginnings. Our founder started working with the Olive Ridley Project with fishing communities on the re-use and up cycling of ghostnets. The fibres of most current nets are made from nylon and polyester, making it impossible to degrade. Sadly, most old fishing nets are abandoned in the ocean. This disrupts the ocean eco-system and also impacts local fisherman who have less fish to catch for their livelihoods. The fishing communities we are working with live in coastal villages on the outskirts of Karachi (the largest city).

Beach at the RMG village with wooden boats of local fisherman

Monofilament, nylon and polyester fishing nets

Seher will continue to conduct a series of workshops with the women of the community to gradually develop a range of products that upcycle and re-use ghostnets, based on their existing traditional craft skills, with the aim of an alternative income to fishing for the community. We will keep you informed when the products are ready for purchase.

Our two-prong approach also saw us experimenting with the material with existing S jo communities with seasoned makers.

AGJ village: sampling with nylon yarns in embroidery

AMB village: discussing how to use ghost nets in weave

In other exciting news, we have introduced handcrafted rose wood and brass elements into our S jo jewellery. For this we are working with experienced craftsmen in urban workshops, whose crafts are being abandoned for cheaper alternatives. Whether moulding and beating brass by hand or fashioning small pieces of wood delicately, these artisan communities are highly skilled. Sadly, their numbers are in decline.