Made in Mongolia's work focuses on two areas: the ger district of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city and Ondershil, a remote settlement in the Gobi. In both cases there is little or no work either due to lack of skills or lack of employment opportunities. mim works to help empower mostly women, the poorest sector of society, providing them with an easily accessible and sustainable source of income.
Mongolian women – and occasionally men – learn traditional felt-making as well as sewing and embroidery, and spinning and knitting techniques. This provides them with both invaluable skills and an immediate income from the products they produce. Many of the women are heads of households, the income they generate through handicrafts is essential in helping to sustain their families.
Over 220 women have now been trained on the handicraft projects in Ulaanbaatar and Ondershil. Several of the women involved have mental illnesses; handicrafts are an occupation they both enjoy and their families have said they have found therapeutic.
Working closely with Asral NGO, mim aims to provide comprehensive support to women and their families. Some of the mim workers’ children attend the hot meal project providing children from the poorest families with a nutritious hot meal every day. Through this scheme they also receive educational support and sponsoring. Housing and medical aid have also been provided.