A group of 60 women in Lakes State have embarked on a creative endeavour aimed at giving them a life-changing and income-generating skill: they are learning how to tie-dye fabrics.

Demand for these colourful products is as high as the enthusiasm and optimism of the practicing women.

“I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to acquire this useful skill. I will join hands with a few of my colleagues to set up a business in Rumbek. People really like this stuff, so there is definitely a market,” says Priscilla Nyanyuon Kooc, who believes the proceeds of her future sales will enable her to provide for her family.

And that is exactly the idea behind the six-day capacity building workshop, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and Veterinaires Sans Frontiers Germany: giving women know-how capable of generating an income at a time when economic conditions are harsh and made worse by intercommunal violence and the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tie-dyeing is a manual method of producing patterns in textiles. It is done by tying portions of the fabric or yarn in such a way that it does not absorb the dye. The process involves folding, twisting, pleating, or crumpling fabrics, binding them with string or rubber bands, and subsequently applying the dye.

To become a successful artist – make no mistake, tie-dyeing is an artform – a creative streak is required. With the right vision, a practitioner can produce unique designs and colour combinations.

Rebecca Aban Malok is confident that she has what it takes, at least in terms of skills.

 “With this knowledge, I hope I will be able to mobilize resources to meet the immediate needs of my children, including their school fees,” she says, adding that there is one initial obstacle she will need to overcome: getting hold of that crucial start-up capital.

“I am appealing to the peacekeeping mission and other development partners to help us with the initial money needed to set up a business.”

While an injection of cash can no doubt be helpful, Beatrice Ayot Keronga, the trainer of the women, is keen to stress that not much is needed to get started as a tie-dyeing artist - if you have the necessary creativity and discipline.

“It is a very good way to make some quick money, because you can start working from your home. Show off your skills and use your business acumen and very soon you will have the money you need to expand your operation,” she says, adding that the market for these products is promising.

Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Germany have already pledged to hand out a number of starter kits and encourage other organizations to do the same.

According to the UN peacekeepers involved in this vocational training project, the beneficiaries are women who have been internally displaced and have now returned to Rumbek, Wulu and Cueibet, and some who are still internally displaced and staying in Mingakaman in Awerial County.