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Turning Fabric Scraps into Hope for People with Disabilities
With a heart full of love and passion, Ms. Phạm Thị Hiền (Hanoi) has become a beacon of hope, lighting the dreams of many people with disabilities.
Born in 1965 in Hanoi, Ms. Hiền faced adversity early in life when a bout of polio at just over one year old took away her ability to walk, turning her life into a constant battle.
Though her body was impaired, her spirit never wavered. It was her unwavering resilience—and the boundless love and support from her family—that carried her through years of pain, even as the aftereffects of the illness stayed with her for life.
Ms. Phạm Thị Hiền (far left) – the torchbearer of hope for many people with disabilities.
From her humble beginnings in tailoring, Ms. Phạm Thị Hiền never stopped learning and striving, becoming a shining example of resilience and dedication. Since joining the Hoàn Kiếm District Association of People with Disabilities in 2009, she has empowered others with similar challenges—creating job opportunities and spearheading sustainable initiatives. One of her most notable projects is “Recycled Fabric Flowers – Livelihoods for Women with Disabilities.”
Through this initiative, Ms. Hiền connects with garment factories and fashion businesses to support women with disabilities. Scraps of fabric—once discarded and harmful to the environment—are transformed by these “extraordinary artisans” into meaningful creations.
At her fabric recycling workshop, Ms. Hiền patiently guides members through the intricate process of crafting finished products. Thanks to the skilled and devoted hands of women in the Hoàn Kiếm Disability Association, rough textile remnants become unique works of art—colorful flowers, delicate bows, baskets, face masks, or beautiful fabric paintings. Beyond teaching, she also actively seeks markets to help these products reach consumers.
Ms. Hiền shares:
“Women with disabilities often struggle with low self-esteem and lack access to social participation. I want to create a space where they not only have jobs, but also a platform to express creativity, gain recognition, and feel valued.”
This project not only provides a stable income for women with disabilities but also promotes environmental awareness. In 2024, it proudly received a consolation prize in the “Hanoi Women’s Creative Startups – Green Transition” competition—an important acknowledgment of the team’s perseverance and a powerful motivator for Ms. Hiền to expand the model and uplift even more marginalized lives.
With the dream of scaling up the initiative and providing vocational training to more people with disabilities, Ms. Hiền continues to seek the support of philanthropists, NGOs, and the wider community. Even the smallest contribution can help build a better, more confident life for those who are often left behind.
Her inspiring story will be featured in the “Trạm Yêu Thương” (Station of Love) program, themed “Radiant Journey”, airing at 10:00 AM on February 15 on VTV1.
Source: Thanh Niên Newspaper
