Women weavers: the hands that shape the grassy beauty at the foot of the Mandara mountains.

Women weavers: the hands that shape the grassy beauty at the foot of the Mandara mountains.

Saare Tabitha, whose primary mandate is the vocational training and empowerment of girls and women in precarious social situations within communities in the northern regions of Cameroon, has worked to support women weavers.

In the shade of neem trees or under the sun of local markets, these women weavers perpetuate an ancestral art: transforming fibers into visual poetry. Their know-how, passed down from generation to generation, is much more than a technique. It is a living memory, an act of cultural resistance, and a celebration of beauty.

They create various objects and furniture using materials found at the foot of the Mandara Mountains.

• Heirs to a heritage

In many parts of the world, and especially in rural areas, women play a central role in textile creation. They master the techniques of weaving, spinning, natural dyeing, and embroidery. Each motif tells a story: that of a people, a ritual, an emotion.

• Women’s Art

These art objects are not merely utilitarian; they are aesthetic, imbued with meaning and beauty. Women artisans innovate, reinterpret traditions, and create unique pieces: rugs, wall hangings, stools, baskets, and accessories. Their work is often recognized in craft exhibitions, art galleries, and local markets.

• Women Creators and Entrepreneurs

Beyond art, weaving is also a tool for empowerment. Many women artisans in the Tokombéré district are creating cooperatives, training other women, and developing local brands. They are becoming economic, social, and cultural players in their communities.

• Preserve and promote

Faced with globalization and industrial production, women’s woven crafts deserve to be protected and promoted. Supporting these women means preserving a cultural heritage, encouraging a sustainable economy, and recognizing women’s creative genius.

Saare Tabitha’s Mandate and Mission

– Vocational Training: Saare Tabitha offers training in sewing, dyeing, crafts, and other manual trades to promote the socio-economic integration of young women.

– Women’s Empowerment: The institution aims to strengthen women’s skills to improve their financial independence and social status in the Far North region of Cameroon.

– Social and Moral Support: Saare Tabitha provides an educational and spiritual framework to support learners in their personal development.

Promotion of Gender Equality: The administrative team is committed to a more equitable future for men and women, emphasizing respect for the rights of girls and women.

© RENE TESWE (Saare Tabitha Maroua)