The Sisterhood Pouch: A symbol of solidarity with women in Lebanon and beyond.

Every year for International Women’s Day, MADE51 introduces a new Sisterhood Pouch — embroidered by Syrian refugee women working with our partner Rim N Roll in Lebanon.

For the women who create them, embroidery is both a livelihood and a way to carry forward a skill passed down through generations. Each pouch represents hours of patient work, shared knowledge and collaboration between artisans.

This year’s launch comes at a difficult moment.

These photos of the artisans working on the Sisterhood Pouch were taken on 25 February. At the time, they were gathered in their workspace, laughing together and connecting through their work.

Just days later, the situation in Lebanon and the region changed dramatically. Many of the artisans had to leave their homes due to the bombings in Beirut.

“We are going through very difficult times here. The artisans are safe, but they had to leave their homes as they live in the threatened area," says Roula, the Founder of Rim N Roll.

UNHCR is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Lebanon and the impact on civilians across the region.

Displacement is being reported across parts of southern Lebanon, the Bekaa and Beirut’s southern suburbs following increased airstrikes and evacuation warnings. Families have been seen leaving their homes with limited belongings, seeking safety with relatives or travelling to safer areas. Some spent the night in their cars, uncertain where they will stay.

In Lebanon, MADE51 works with Syrian refugee women artisans through several local social enterprise partners. Many are understandably worried and retraumatized, having lived through similar instability in recent years. Partners on the ground are continuing to check on the artisans they work with. Some have begun speaking about the possibility of returning to Syria should the situation worsen.

Updates from Rim N Roll and the artisans

When we spoke with Roula on March 6th, she was rushing to run errands during a brief pause between airstrike warnings.

She explained that residents are given advance warnings before strikes. In those moments, people rush outside to buy essentials like bread before returning to shelter.

Some of the artisans, she said, have received evacuation messages because they live near the southern areas of Beirut. Some are considering returning to Syria if the situation worsens.

When asked what message she would give to people considering purchasing the pouch in solidarity, she said:

“Buying handmade is not just buying a product. It’s buying hours of work. It’s connecting with someone’s courage. Their faith. If you don’t have faith, you can’t continue working. Faith in everything - God, yourself. You can feel our struggle. We had war two years ago. Now we are facing it again. Buying something we made is choosing to feel with us. Buying our work is contact between you and the artisans who are living the pain and who have the courage to keep going. To live here you need a lot of courage, especially to continue working. But we are forced continue our lives.”

Expanding the design into an installation

This year, the design was also expanded into a large-scale installation to be exhibited at International Women’s Day events, such as in Geneva and New York.

The embroidered motifs of the pouch were transformed into a collective artwork, allowing the artisans to work on a larger canvas and show the scale and intricacy of their embroidery.

Along the edges of the installation, the artisans embroidered the names of women who inspire them. Mothers, daughters, aunts and sometimes themselves — names chosen to honour strength, guidance and encouragement.

One artisan chose her mother.

“I chose my mother’s name, Maryam, because I want the world to know that my mother is my source of strength. She worked hard for us, raised us, educated us as much as she could. She raised a family and struggled for us. I see her as our role model — for the whole family, not just for me. I embroidered it because I wanted us to be united — like one hand."

Mona chose her own name.

“I decided to embroider my own name, Mona. I am my own role model — I mean, I saw this craft and loved it. I’m building myself through sewing. My mother passed away before she could see me sewing and building something for myself. So I became my own role model.”

Another artisan chose her daughter.

“I decided to embroider my daughter’s name because she encourages me and helps me in my work. She’s my role model — she strengthened me and motivated me to continue in this profession.”

Sanaa chose the name of her aunt.

“I chose my aunt’s name. Her name is Amal. First, her name itself means ‘hope,’ and it gives me strength to move forward. Second, I love her personality, and I aspire to be like her.”

And Amira chose her own name.

“I chose to embroider my own name because I draw my strength from myself.”

“It’s very important to be your own role model — to work, to develop yourself, and not wait for anyone to give you opportunities.”

“I want to tell all women they should rely on themselves, develop themselves, make their own money, and not wait for anything from anyone.”

Every edition of the Sisterhood Pouch carries the same spirit: the comfort, strength and possibility created when women support one another.

This year, that message feels even more significant.

Purchasing a pouch helps ensure that these women can continue their work and that the skills and heritage connected to this craft are not lost.

At a time when many are facing uncertainty, the Sisterhood Pouch stands as a small but meaningful act of solidarity — a way to honour the women behind the work and the names that inspired it.

The Sisterhood Pouch is now available.

By choosing handmade, you stand with the women who created it.