Kundakala – Using sewing classes to empower women
June 25, 2025We’re proud to see our Community Grant Partner (CGP) Kundakala featured in a recent BBC article highlighting their work supporting women on low incomes to gain practical sewing and tailoring skills.
Kundakala applied to become a CGP in 2022 and with the help of our funding, they launched a pilot Make and Mend course in two London locations: the Pembury Centre in Hackney and Hope Corner in Barnet.
The pilot supported women in building valuable tailoring skills, improving their confidence, and stepping outside their comfort zones. Many participants reported better mental health through making new friendships and becoming more active in their communities. Some were also offered work experience, with their creations sold via Kundakala’s website.
Founded by Poornima Kirloskar-Saini, Kundakala now works across Islington, Camden, Hackney and Lambeth, helping women access flexible training that fits around caregiving responsibilities and other demands. Their courses—from basic mending to advanced alterations—help women save money, reduce debt, and in some cases, set up microbusinesses offering sewing services or handmade products. 150 women have learned how to sew thanks to this social enterprise.
Poornima describes the work as a pathway to financial resilience and personal empowerment: “Just getting a skill boosts self-esteem. It sets these ladies on a path to getting more skills. They become role models for their kids, their sons and their daughters.”
At Smallwood, we’re committed to funding community-based solutions that enable women to thrive and we’re proud to stand alongside organisations like Kundakala who are making that happen every day.
