In a remote village where job opportunities are scarce and traditional crafts are fading, one woman’s vision has transformed embroidery into a lifeline for dozens of young girls. Through skill, determination, and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage, she has created a sustainable path forward for her community.Reviving Tradition, Creating OpportunityIn a small village in southern Morocco, where economic prospects are limited, 38-year-old artist Margaux Derhy saw potential in the intricate art of embroidery. In 2022, she founded an embroidery workshop in her father’s native village of Sidi R’bat, about 70 kilometers south of Agadir. The women-only workshop, employing dozens of local girls and women, has become a beacon of hope in a community of just 400 people.
Derhy, who had never held an embroidery needle before starting the project, was driven by a desire to create “art with purpose.” The initiative not only preserves the region’s textile traditions but also provides a steady income for participants. In rural Morocco, where only 19% of women hold stable jobs, the workshop offers a rare chance for financial independence and empowerment. For many of the girls, the ability to earn a living through embroidery has opened doors to education and personal growth, breaking cycles of poverty and unpaid labor.A Craft That EmpowersThe workshop focuses on collaborative textile art, with participants creating intricate designs on large canvases. The girls, some as young as 15, learn to blend traditional Moroccan motifs with contemporary styles, producing pieces that are sold locally and beyond. The income generated has enabled some to pursue further studies, while others have gained confidence to start their own small businesses. “Being able to embroider and earn an income means a lot to the women,” Derhy shared, emphasizing the project’s personal and communal impact.
The initiative also fosters a sense of sisterhood. The workshop provides a safe space where girls can learn, share stories, and support one another, preserving not just a craft but a sense of community. By reviving fading embroidery techniques, the project ensures that cultural heritage remains alive, passed down to a new generation.A Global Echo of EmpowermentThis Moroccan village is not alone in harnessing embroidery for change. Similar stories resonate worldwide. In Australia, Afghan refugee Hakimeh Rahimi, who dreamt of a career in textiles, is part of a program teaching sewing and embroidery to refugee women. The initiative, started by Paw Po in 2015, helps women like Rahimi build skills and confidence despite language barriers and cultural undervaluation of their craft.
In India, designers like Anavila Misra are empowering young girls in Jharkhand through khatwa appliqué, a traditional embroidery form. Misra’s work with artisan communities not only preserves cultural techniques but also provides economic opportunities for rural girls. Meanwhile, the global Red Dress project, involving 380 embroiderers from 51 countries, showcases how embroidery can amplify women’s voices, with 97% of contributors being female, stitching their stories into a shared masterpiece.
A Lifeline for the FutureBack in Sidi R’bat, Derhy’s workshop continues to grow, with plans to expand training and market reach. The girls involved are not just learning a craft—they are reclaiming their futures. By turning embroidery into a source of income and pride, this initiative is stitching together hope, opportunity, and tradition in a village that once faced a fading legacy.
