A group of female blue-collar workers in Dubai has found a unique way to earn extra income by sewing crochet dolls. The women, who were taught how to crochet by the SmartLife Foundation, have styled the dolls in bright, colorful yarn outfits with long, wiry hair. Some of the dolls have been purchased by corporates and individuals, with one participant earning about Dh1,500 from the sales – more than her monthly income as a housekeeping staff.
Rima Kumari, a Nepalese housekeeping staff in Dubai, was able to earn Dh1,450 from the sale of 34 crochet dolls. Despite working a 12-hour shift every day, Kumari spends all her leisure time crocheting and can now complete a doll within three to four hours. As the sole breadwinner of her family supporting six siblings in Nepal, she plans to send the money earned from the dolls to help them celebrate the upcoming festivals of Dussehra and Diwali.
The crochet dolls campaign is part of a pilot project called Smart Hands, initiated by Swaroopa Rex of the SmartLife Foundation. Rex teaches the women how to create the dolls, which serve as handmade keepsakes for guests at the foundation’s events. Motivated by the positive feedback and sales, the women earn a share of the profit every three months, helping them learn a new skill and earn extra income through entrepreneurship.
Shanti Gurung, another participant from Nepal who works as a cleaner in Dubai, has enjoyed learning crochet not only as a hobby but also a source of extra income. She has created 10 dolls in the last three months and enjoys sharing the creative process with her family. The women are provided with all the necessary materials to continue crocheting even after the project ends, offering them a meaningful way to engage their time and release stress.
Each doll requires over 5,000 meticulously crafted stitches, showcasing the women’s dedication and talent. The project aims to help the women become more disciplined and earn a steady income through entrepreneurship. Crocheting and knitting have been proven to have positive effects on mental well-being, including reducing anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Participants like Sita Sunuwar, who works as a nanny, appreciate how crochet has helped them utilize their spare time productively, leading to a sense of happiness and gratitude.
Through the Smart Hands project, the women in Dubai have found a new skill and source of income in crocheting dolls. The initiative by the SmartLife Foundation has not only provided them with a platform to showcase their creativity but also a way to earn extra income to support themselves and their families. With the positive impact on their mental health and well-being, crocheting has become a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor for these hardworking women.
