Traditional crafts pave way for women and creativity.
Last February my attendance to an Emirati traditional crafts event initially incited in me an interest for what I believed would be a more-detailed view of the nation’s crafts. Ironically, it mainly featured male-dominated panels discussing women’s crafts, who even credited elderly female members of their family that practiced the same crafts they were discussing. This in effect propelled me to look for organizations that focused on women in those crafts, which led me to come across Nama Women Advancement Establishment. NAMA, meaning growth in Arabic, was founded in 2015 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Court and Ruler of Sharjah, and is also chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.
The main aim of NAMA is to develop the progression and advancement of women in order to assist them in reaching their full potential socially and economically. The support for women occurs through the establishment’s three affiliates: Sharjah Business Women’s Council, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, Badiri Education and Development Academy. This puts the establishment as the lead institution of women empowerment across Sharjah.
Irthi, which translates into legacy, differentiates itself from other similar initiatives by not only reviving the traditional crafts but also modernizing the techniques to utilize today’s resources to preserve the essence of it. The women who work on the crafts are situated in the Bidwa Social Development Programme in Dibba Al-Hisn. All forty women excel at their crafts with an elevated standard and are considered as expert artisans. In effect, their involvement in international exhibitions brings them and their work to a wider audience, enabling them socially and professionally.
What makes Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council a game changer is that it tends to the local craftswomen by offering them vocational training to combine their skills with new designs that can enter the international markets. To expand its products, Irthi has taken part in several events, exhibitions, and conferences locally and internationally. Pieces showcased so far by the council at those events boast a grand set of designs that demonstrates innovation and sustainability.
One of their biggest milestones was debuting the recycled safeefa felt fabric at The Festival At MASDAR City during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019. The felt fabric was made by upcycling plastic bottles, which ended up in a metallic-colored finishing. It’s quite a start, wading into the depths of experimenting with biodegradable materials.
Another handcraft included in that event was the signature-weaving wall, which was interactive; it consisted of strings that were wrapped around nails secured to the wall. The experiential maneuver was an instant success, with crowds consisting of children and adults taking part in a collective work of craft. Heading up the list of workshops was the t-shirt and eco-friendly tote-bag design workshop for children and adolescents.
Although these were introductory workshops during The Festival at Masdar City, Irthi made it accessible and engaging through highlighting the importance of interaction with the visitors. For all the surrounding excitement around the debut of the recycled materials and workshops, Irthi proved that there is indeed a gap in the local market, and it has the potential of creating a new one. To say it in a few words, it is a movement where creativity fully emerges.
Official links for Irthi:
- Website: irthi.com
- Instagram: @irthicouncil
- Twitter: @irthicrafts
