A movement advancing women’s economic rights and access to employment in refugee camps. Providing the tools to break barriers, bridge worlds and build sustainable livelihoods by building on existing traditional skill sets in knitting and embroidery.

A world with less barriers and more bridges to fulfill human potential.

Tight-Knit Syria is in an equal partnership with the women working in the refugee camps preserving a bottom-up approach.

Tight-Knit Syria provides women with work that compliments their other existing responsibilities as caretakers, community-leaders, mothers and wives.

Tight-Knit Syria actively seeks the most sustainable and ethical choice to protect people, animals and the environment.

Tight-Knit Syria maximizes impact and potential through collaboration with different organizations. We also inspire communities like individuals, families, schools and companies to get involved and be change makers. Do you have an idea? Reach out to us! dana@tightknitsyria.com

Tight-Knit Syria’s philosophy is that everyone has the responsibility to expose themselves to stories of empowerment, strength and resilience. We believe this fosters positive, passionate and productive change makers in all of us.

GENDER INEQUALITY Common societal perceptions of women as homemakers who perform domestic tasks only make it challenging for them to defy conventions, make decisions in the household, and assume paid work.

POVERTY Our artisans have fled war and are faced with new challenges in refugee camps, including lack of sufficient humanitarian aid, high daily expenses, and extreme living conditions. Often times, one source of income is insufficient.

LACK OF OPPORTUNITY Sociocultural barriers often prevent refugee women from accessing the training needed to learn entrepreneurial skills and access local and international markets.

LACK OF RESOURCES Women lack the education and resources needed to seek out suppliers, materials, initial funding, and foster business opportunities outside the confines of the camp.

COLLABORATION We expand on existing skillsets like needlework, which is considered culturally acceptable and allows the women to overstep cultural limitations and create opportunity.

BRIDGING MARKETS We follow a bottom-up approach and build on our extensive networks to link these women with international consumers, retailers and designers.

LABOUR CONDITIONS Our artisans work from home, so they don’t have to commute at night. We also ensure fair wages and a safe environment where they can exchange advice and gain emotional support.

ADAPTABILITY We offer a type of employment that allows women the scheduling flexibility to combine their work with their domestic tasks, so that one need not be sacrificed for the other.

GENDER EQUALITY Our artisans report having more confidence, giving them more decision-making power in the household. Economic empowerment also diminishes vulnerability to gender-based violence and being forced into early marriage.

CHILDREN STAY IN SCHOOL Empowering mothers combats child labour and marriage, as children are more likely to remain in school when their families don’t rely on them for financial support.

BETTER CONDITIONS Adult male family members also become less vulnerable to labour exploitation when the family has more financial means because they are less likely to accept unsafe situations and unfair wages out of desperation.

ECONOMIC STABILITY It also allows families to afford adequate medical care for ill or disabled family members, as well as proper food and supplies.