For Ny Saros, every stitch tells a story — a story of strength, love, and perseverance —proving that empowering one woman can uplift an entire family and community.
In Damnak Chang Eur village, in the coastal province of Kep, where rice fields shimmer under the sun and banana leaves sway in the breeze, children happily show us the way through quiet rural landscapes.
On their bicycles, they take a small path past cows and chickens — leading to the dressmaker’s house.
Inside, colourful fabrics hang along the walls. Spools of thread and tools are neatly displayed. Her home is like a workshop of dreams, where creativity comes to life. And at the centre of it all, she sits — her hands busy and her heart full.
“My name is Ny Saros,” she begins with a gentle smile. “In the morning, I sell banana cakes, and in the afternoon, I sew clothes.” She juggles two livelihoods and works tirelessly to provide for her two children: Yub Ausairon, 15, who studies at Kampong Kes High School, and her daughter, 11 years old, currently in Grade 6 at Kampong Tralach Primary School.
Every metre of fabric, every neat hem, brings her family a step closer to stability — and her children, closer to their dreams.
A Tool That Sparked Change: Stitching Hope, Thread by Thread
Behind Saros’ quiet determination lies a story of loss and resilience. “I’m alone now,” she says softly. “My husband passed away seven years ago. That’s why I need to work to feed my children.”
But her life took a bright turn when she received a sewing machine from Action Education / Aide et Action, through the COSAVED project, co-funded by the European Union.
“It helps me a lot,” she says, eyes shining. “It improves my income, and it’s easier now. Before, I was only sewing by hand.”
Empowered: When Passion Meets Purpose
For her, a sewing machine is more than just a tool; it is a bridge to economic resilience. With each stitch, she weaves hope, opportunity, and care into her family’s life. “By improving my income, I can better help my children with their schooling,” Saros explains. “I can buy school materials. I also save time by working from home.”
She adds with a laugh: “It also saves expenses when I make clothes for myself and my children.” Her sewing not only supports her family but also strengthens her community. “People in the village come to me to fix or make clothes,” she shares.
“I’ve done this since 2008, simply because I love doing it. I love creating clothes and making people beautiful.”
Her tiny atelier — a corner of colour and light — tells the story of a woman who turned passion into purpose. Every stitch is a symbol of freedom, and every creation, a celebration of what it means to build a life through creativity, courage, and love.
