A life as a woman in Pakistan

What Europe, America and other parts of the world take for granted is unthinkable for predominantly Islamic Pakistan. In my home country, it is very difficult for women to build an independent life. They usually live in constant dependence of men. They hardly play any role in public life. Therefore, it is not surprising that in some regions of Pakistan women are rarely found on the streets without a male companion.
In my home country – as everywhere else in the world – there is a strong disparity between rich and poor. Women from poorer backgrounds are particularly affected by these old customs and traditions. Many of them never see the inside of a school. In the case of financially worse-off families, the girls are often married off very young and then live in their in-laws’ house.
Marriage is mostly an arrangement. Having to feed one less person makes it easier for one’s family to budget with the limited resources available.
Only a small percentage of Pakistani women have access to education or even a path into politics. Pakistani women are only allowed to work with the consent of their husbands. Working women can be found mainly in the field of medicine, in the fields or as factory workers. Working as a nurse or doctor is even desired. Even though there are numerous efforts to provide girls and women with more education, there is still a long way to go before women in Pakistan can enjoy more independence and thus a self-determined life.
In order to move forward with small steps, we – my sister and I – have also decided to make a contribution, albeit a small one, but nevertheless an important one, to improving the situation of Pakistani women. With the opportunity to earn a little money through handmade fashion, self-confidence and independence grow.

Sustainable fashion, which can be wonderfully combined with different styles…

A women’s bag is so much more than just being made to store valuables for when you’re on the go. A women’s bag is a fashion statement that expresses each woman’s personal style. Handmade bags from Pakistan are the link that fuses oriental fashion and clean European look. Bright colors, noble fabrics, glittering beads or quite simple and discreet – a pretty handmade clutch is the perfect addition to any outfit. Whether as an effective companion for the little black dress in the evening or as a pretty accessory for the business dress – sustainable oriental fashion made in Pakistan is that certain something that pleasantly enhances any look and provides for one or the other furtive look.

Young, powerful, sustainable – handmade fashion Made in Pakistan…

Sustainable fashion from Pakistan not only looks beautiful. With the purchase of a ladies bag from our assortment you also take a piece of responsibility for a better world. And that in many ways. Since these are handmade bags, no machines are used in the production process. This saves resources and the environment. The women do not work in an anonymous factory where they are exploited by profit-oriented entrepreneurs. They can work from home with their families for fair pay. Based on patterns made by my sister, I create oriental bags that reflect the beauty of Asia. Like a sunny day, the handmade clutch brings a smile to the lips of its wearer

What makes a handmade clutch from Pakistan so special?

Handmade bags are very popular in the Punjab region of Pakistan. I have always admired the splendid oriental fashions with which the more well-heeled women in my country emphasized their beauty. The handmade bags with their fascinating individual charm had me particularly taken. The sparkling sequins that reflect the light brighten life like thousands and thousands of tiny stars in the night sky. Matte white pearls express exclusive elegance, reflecting perfect harmony. Floral designs that bring us close to the incredible diversity of nature, ornaments that captivate us with their intricate twists and turns, and color compositions that feel like balm on our soul – the diverse designs make the handmade clutch from Pakistan a fashionable accessory that elevates any fashion performance to a new level. All bags are made by the women in pure handwork. This handmade fashion is an artistic creation that captivates with individuality. Piece by piece, it is a real unicum, because none of the bags is the same as the other. My sister, who lives in Pakistan, has the bags made by the women according to her ideas with the typical South Asian oriental charm. Some of these are sold directly on the spot, which emphasizes the authenticity of each women’s bag. The remaining bags are intended for shipment to Germany and are offered here exclusively by me for sale. Prices are in a very affordable segment for a handmade clutch. My own commercial success matters less to me than supporting the women in my home country on their way to a better life.

Timelessly beautiful – handmade bags with a touch of extravagance…

A handmade clutch from Pakistan does not submit to any fashion dictates. With expressive designs, oriental bags give us a glimpse into an everlasting beauty that follows motifs. While many a ladies’ bag from hip Western designers quickly goes out of fashion, handmade bags from Pakistan are a counterpart inspired by classic traditions to rapidly changing trends. The sustainable oriental fashion is characterized by its timeless character. Be it a stylish party clutch or a ladies bag that accompanies you in everyday life – each bag is an exclusive individual piece that represents sustainability and durability. A handmade clutch unfolds its unique elegance in interaction with its wearer. Like a sliver of our soul, it fits into a harmonious overall appearance and effortlessly survives the passage of time. You will still reach for your lovingly handcrafted ladies bag in many years and enjoy the sight of it. Not least because it will remind you again and again of your personal contribution to greater social justice.

Why handmade fashion offers so many benefits for women in Pakistan….

Our oriental fashion accessories enable our Pakistani artisans to earn a living in the shelter of their homes. All bags are made exclusively by women. For me, it’s not about being able to access cheap production. My sustainable fashion is to help empower women in Pakistan. In order to meet this demand and sustainability, the complete production takes place without the use of machines. From the first cut to the last needle stitch – a handmade clutch from our house is actually 100 percent handmade. Thus, not only high-quality, sustainable fashion is created – each bag for itself is an unmistakable unicum.
By purchasing one of our homemade women’s bags, you are contributing to the economic and personal empowerment of women in Pakistan. We guarantee adequate fair pay that meets local requirements and ensures a good income for the women. This is all the more important because most women are unable to do any other work. It is not only the social position that makes it so difficult for Pakistani women to earn their own money. Since they are married at a very young age, they usually have several children at a correspondingly early age. Since they usually do not attend kindergarten or school, there are clear obstacles in the way of women achieving financial independence. Women are generally disadvantaged in many social classes in Pakistan. All the more pressure to finally remedy this situation.
With the production of handmade bags it is possible for women in Pakistan to build up their own business. They can gain a bit of independence from their husband and thus gain quality of life. The extra money they earn allows them to live more self-determined lives and even have a say in the family’s financial decisions, even setting the tone.
The financial contribution that women make to earning a living helps to break down conservative models of living. With the handmade bags made at home, the position of women is changing. It is this additional income that opens the eyes of many to the fact that women can actually work and earn money.
In addition, the production of bags at home also plays a major role in the future of children. The additional source of income improves the financial situation in the family and thus increases the chances that the children can attend school. Good educational opportunities will set some course for promising development.
However, it will be a long and arduous journey before Pakistani women can enjoy a better position in society. But every house is built with the laying of the first stone. Let’s start doing it together!