“I worked in Italy, Milan, as an atelier for some time. It was an essentially important and interesting period of my life, because I had already been dealing with dressmaking for a long time. And to work in Milan, a city of high fashion, as you understand, it was good luck! But the problem was that I worked there without a working visa and contract. The atelier owner advised me to return to Ukraine in order to get all the necessary documents and then come back. I returned home with the intention of going back to Italy again. But one day, I heard about the possibility of receiving preferential credit from the ILO to start my own business. It was a chance for me to turn my hobby – dressmaking – into an income-generating business! I could not pass up this opportunity. This was good luck. I managed to rent a premise for my atelier for a reasonable price – a class-room in a former school. The rooms are big: there is a lot of space for sewing machines, dummies, and fitting rooms. I am thankful to my friend for enthusiastically renovating the room, while I was dealt with purchasing all the necessary equipment…
I realized that the main thing in business is to have an inspiring idea, which can become your life-work! It is also essential for the quality to be of the highest level. Because one satisfied client will certainly recommend your services to his or her friends. Now I have lots of orders from my clients. I have already hired an assistant and we work together. I am thinking of taking on several more skilled women. I am happy to have had this chance.
I am getting married and will make my wedding dress myself.
Yuliya received the microcredit to start her own small business within the ILO Project on prevention of trafficking in women, implemented in Ukraine during 2004-2008. Within its pilot component, implemented in Chernivetska oblast, women being potential or actual migrants or victims of trafficking had a possibility to receive preferential microcredits as well as services on vocational training and job-placement.
During the Project implementation 25 women received microcredits for a total amount of USD 50 000. Out of them 23 successfully develop their small businesses. After closure of a Project the microcrediting component is being further implemented by the national partners and the number of women interested in getting credit, is increasing.
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO), formed in 1919, is devoted to advancing opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. Its main aims are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue in handling work-related issues.
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