Crafting sustainability: Karachi-based women artisans leading the way

Ever wondered how plastic can transcend its ordinary form to become a chic and spacious handbag? Or how the humble vegetables and spices from your kitchen can weave magic onto blank fabrics, igniting them with vibrant colors? And what about turning those old, forgotten outfits into captivating home décor pieces?

Geo Digital will take you to Rana Liaquat Craftsman Colony (RLCC) in Karachi's Shah Faisal Colony area, where women artisans are mastering the art of sustainability with style and turning everyday materials into eco-friendly yet trendy products.

Nestled in the bustling Shah Faisal Colony, the RLCC was founded back in 1954 by the esteemed former first lady of Pakistan, Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan. With its diverse departments ranging from education to healthcare, the RLCC is not just a centre for craftsmanship but a hub for community development.

From plastic bags to stylish handbags

Afshan Waheed, an artisan and faculty member at the RLCC has a passion for turning plastic bags into practical and stylish handbags. With her mastery of crochet designs, Afshan's creations breathe new life into discarded materials. Her journey began with a simple idea that blossomed into something extraordinary.

"We've all seen the havoc wreaked by those pesky polythene bags —clogging up drains and sewage lines. They're everywhere, lurking in our homes. I decided to do something about it. 

"Being a crochet artist, I thought, why not give these plastic bags a second chance? It was a bit of a revelation, really. I still remember the day Miss Zareen approached me with the idea of making a handbag out of plastic bags. I couldn't help but chuckle — it did sound a tad bizarre at first!"

Afshan gathers plastic bags, carefully cutting them into strips, and then utilises her crochet skills to weave them into her creations.

"Crafting one of these handbags takes me a good 6 to 7 hours. But it's always worth it. I dabble in making table mats and other decor items too, but there's something about these sustainable handbags that gets me excited every time. 

"The best part? They're all eco-friendly. We're not just making pretty things; we're also doing our bit for the environment. That's why we're always encouraging people: instead of tossing those plastic bags away, why not send them our way?"

Turning trash into treasure: the art of upcycling and recycling

As we spoke to the livelihood department head, Zareen Rashid she shed light on what kind of training the RLCC is providing to empower the women.

"Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan laid the foundation of this non-profit organisation with a vision for women's empowerment, and since then, we've been dedicated to making it a reality. 

She said that the artisans working in the RRLC hail from Natha Khan Goth and nearby neighborhoods, each bringing their own unique skills to the table. 

"From crochet work to crafting products from date palm leaves and even repurposing billboard and banner waste. But what sets us apart is our knack for upcycling and recycling materials. We turn waste newspaper into paper bags, transform used plastic bags into stylish handbags, and even repurpose fabric scraps from tailors into beautiful applique work," Zareen said. 

She added that it is amazing what can be created from even the tiniest piece of fabric. 

"From sustainable keychains to pouches and more, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for zero waste and environmental preservation," she added.

Waste to wow: repurposing used tea bags in dyeing

Ainam Khan, who serves as an artisan coordinator at the RRLC, demonstrates expertise in teaching natural dyeing techniques. 

Proficient in utilising vegetables and spices, she adeptly crafts vibrant creations, enriching the artistic landscape with her skillful contributions.

"I utilise a variety of natural ingredients like tea, onion skins, beetroot, coriander, and turmeric to dye fabrics using the traditional tie and dye method. The beauty of it all lies in its simplicity — no chemicals, just pure nature at work. Did you know you can even repurpose used tea bags for this process? It's truly remarkable. From the dyed fabric, I create an array of items including bags and other treasures, each infused with the vibrant hues of nature."

The women working at the RRLC are not just skilled artisans but the unsung heroes leading the charge for a greener tomorrow. Their small steps toward sustainability inspire us all to envision a world of zero waste and a brighter future for generations to come.