Sari for Change Foundation

Founded over a decade ago as a project under the Meaningful Change Institute, the Sari for Change Foundation (SFCF) is dedicated to empowering marginalized women through sustainable textiles.

Our mission is to economically uplift women through skills-based training and mentorship, allowing them to achieve sustainable livelihoods by contributing to the fashion industry by starting their own home industry businesses. Beyond technical skills, we provide financial literacy training, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Vision

We aim to empower women as influential drivers of eco-conscious fashion, transforming both industry participation and impact through entrepreneurship. 

Mission

Our mission is to train 25,000 women across South Africa by 2030, using a Pay-It-Forwardmodel where trained women become trainers themselves, establishing cooperative hubs to empower others.

Values

Refashioning the Industry: Transforming the fashion industry from within by prioritizing people and the planet.

Community: Strengthening solidarity and collective power, encouraging participation in the Sacred Economy.

Celebrating Authenticity: Crafting multifunctional garments that honor diverse cultural traditions, while celebrating evolving identities.

Heritage & Evolving Identity: Preserving the rich history of the sari and other heritage textiles while modernizing it for contemporary use.

Zero-Waste: Ensuring that every piece of fabric is repurposed with purpose. 

Impact:

To date Sari for Change Foundation has trained over 120 women, collected more than 15,000 saris, and repurposed over 8,000 into new garments. As a result, many participants now earn above the South African minimum wage, showcasing the tangible impact of our initiatives.