EvaLab

Regaining independence through tailoring

In Italy, 10 women are killed every month, and half of these murders are committed by their partner or ex-partner. (Interinstitutional Report "Prejudice and violence against women")

In the southern region of Campania, the unemployment rate among women is the highest in Europe, and the professional reintegration of women survivors of violence is complex.

EvaLab is a sustainable tailoring studio that supports women survivors in finding employment and achieving economic autonomy, through the production of garments. Through this program, women acquire concrete skills, overcome their trauma and reintegrate into the job market. In parallel, the studio has created a clothing brand to sell the garments, as part of a social, circular and sustainable economy.

In addition, EvaLab seeks to shift the narrative, to highlight the strength and resilience of survivors of violence. Women follow a support program, enabling them to regain their self-confidence in a safe and secure environment.

Opened in June 2020, the studio is part of the E.V.A. social cooperative, which has been promoting women's rights and freedom in southern Italy since 1999. The organization runs 5 anti-violence centers and 3 shelters for women survivors, victims of human trafficking and refugees.

As a member of the Kering Foundation’s community of social entrepreneurs, EvaLab was selected by a jury of professionals and experts to receive support from the Kering Foundation, including a 6-month incubation program, professional mentoring and access to the Kering Foundation’s network. Ultimately, this partnership aims to allow EvaLab to develop the sale of its products and become self-sufficient.

Since 2020:
5 women have found employment through the program.
4 fashion shows have been organized and 2 collections created.

“With EvaLab, we tell the stories of women who restart their lives after completing an empowerment process at an anti-violence center. We highlight their strength, their desire for independence, the regained freedom. The garments they make are high quality ones and represent the dignity they have been able to rebuild through their work.”

– Daniela Santarpia, President of E.V.A. and EvaLab

Follow EvaLab on Facebook here.