From conflict to catwalk: Former women combatants promoting reconciliation in Colombia
The concept of peace being built gradually is exemplified by Ms. Avella's initiative in a small sewing workshop in Catatumbo, Colombia. This workshop, a result of the 2016 peace deal between the Colombian Government and FARC rebels, aims to aid the reintegration of ex-combatants and mend the scars of the conflict.
Like many others, Ms. Avella sought to reconstruct her life post-war. The workshop provided training, support, and empowerment for women, serving as a sanctuary against gender-based violence. It was a place for them to learn skills, offer mutual support, and regain confidence in a region marred by violence.
Co-founding Stitches for Peace with several women, Ms. Avella initially focused on creating practical garments like sweatshirts, T-shirts, and uniforms. However, in 2021, the project took an unexpected turn towards high fashion.
Through an initiative by the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Ms. Avella crossed paths with Lina Garcés, an economist and founder of a second-hand clothing store named Lina's Closet in Cúcuta. Ms. Garcés, who referred to her shop's offerings as "second-chance clothes," decided to get involved despite her reservations due to her own history with the armed conflict.
Visiting Caño Indio in the Catatumbo jungle, Ms. Garcés was struck by the women's remarkable talent. Many had honed their sewing skills during the war, mending uniforms and boots. This shared expertise now weaved a new narrative.
Collaborating intensely for fifteen days, they conceived the idea of designing wraparound skirts featuring prints inspired by the Ixora flower, symbolizing resilience and perseverance in Catatumbo.
This led to the birth of the brand 'Ixora, inclusive and autonomous.' By the end of 2021, they had their first collection, showcased at the Julio Pérez library in Cúcuta. The fashion show brought together conflict victims and peace advocates on a unified platform.
Subsequently, during a panel discussion at the Cúcuta Book Fair, Ms. Garcés shared her family's traumatic past publicly for the first time, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and support in fostering peace.
Despite the growing success of Ixora, the project faced setbacks in January last year as violence resurged in the region, forcing the closure of the sewing workshop due to safety concerns. Amid this turmoil, the registration of Ixora as a trademark was bittersweet, as celebrations were muted in light of uncertainty.
Presently, the project is on hold as the women await safer conditions to resume operations in a new rural location near Cúcuta. However, Ixora has secured a partnership with the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization to provide support and well-being services to other women affected by the conflict.
As Ms. Avella reflects on the project, she sees it as a beacon of hope and resilience, transcending mere economic gains to represent a symbol of transformation and perseverance. While the sewing machines lie dormant, the women of Ixora anticipate the day they can reignite their creative pursuits, embodying the enduring spirit of hope in the face of adversity.
