How crocheting is supporting livelihoods and mental health
Women enjoy crocheting unique pieces for sale. PHOTO/BIRD
What you need to know:
Across Africa, young women are increasingly turning to creative ventures to improve their lives. According to the World Bank, women now own more than 30 percent of all small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa in fashion, agriculture, and technology.
In 2022, 23-year-old Western Kenya-native, Triza Apasi was struggling with anxiety and drug addiction. A series of shattered friendships had left her emotionally vulnerable. In her despair, she picked up a crochet hook and began weaving. Her return to a craft that she had first discovered from watching YouTube videos during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 began as a pastime to cope with her emotional turmoil.
It has since grown into something much larger: a route to healing, creativity, and community change. She now manages Dynamite Hooks, a social venture that empowers young women, promotes sustainability and raises mental health awareness. Across Africa, young women are increasingly turning to creative ventures to improve their lives and social transformation. According to the World Bank, women now own more than 30 percent of all small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, with key roles in industries such as fashion, agriculture, and technology.
This increase in female entrepreneurship is changing the continent's economic landscape, with women emerging as significant drivers of innovation and resilience. Triza’s mental distress began during her years at Pwani University in Kilifi where she was pursuing a bachelor's degree in education in 2020. The freedom of campus life brought diversions. Crocheting fell by the wayside as she adjusted to academic life. By 2022, things had started to spiral.
Her friendships were strained, her mental health was slipping and she turned to substance abuse to deal with her anxiety. “I fell into depression and anxiety and resorted to drug addiction,” she says. Amidst her difficulties, a friend observed her and praised the bikini she was crocheting. Triza was taken aback by the comment because it was the first time someone had recognized the worth of what she was doing in quite some time. That brief moment stayed with her. Triza Apasi uses the craft of crocheting to create safe spaces where young women can speak openly about their emotional well-being and improve their livelihoods.
It compelled her to revisit the craft she had laid aside. This time, she went about it with purpose, researching techniques, interacting with other crocheters online, and discovering that crochet might provide both mental comfort and a source of income. Triza started crocheting again in early 2023. She discovered a modest antique shop in Kilifi town, with a welcoming owner, who allowed her to work on her creations. When she realised she needed support to take things to the next level, she contacted her friend Josephine Kamene, a more experienced crocheter. They worked together to improve their designs and expand their work. Their first big opportunity came in August 2023, when the shop owner asked them to create a poncho. Despite the material and time costs, they happily accepted the task. “It was a big piece, but with a simple stitch pattern. We played with colours,” Triza says. However, the event rapidly became a lesson. Triza had borrowed money for materials and intended to sell the poncho for twice the amount. However, the shop's owner refused to pay more than Ksh 5,000. They were stuck with a poncho they could not sell and a debt they could not repay.
The poncho remained unsold for nearly a year, serving as a daily reminder of the low value of crochet labour in the local market. Instead of quitting, Triza used the experience as fuel to build something bigger. What began as a personal initiative has grown into Dynamite Hooks, a community of women who learn crochet, share their experiences, and encourage one another.
The group focuses on creativity,emotional healing and making connections,especially for those navigating anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Triza partnered with her friend Josephine, and the two began conducting training classes, selling handcrafted creations and partnering with local therapists to talk about mental health. One of their most significant achievements occurred when a friend who had previously granted them money returned with additional support, allowing them to scale their work.
With this extra assistance, the team was able to invest in better materials, broaden their reach, and hone their skills. It also served as a powerful reminder that success was more than just financial gain; it was about building a community that believed in and supported one another's advancement.
The group grew to draw more women, particularly those dealing with anxiety or despair. They developed a forum where people could chat openly while learning new skills by holding frequent meetings and sharing projects. In this safe space, young women can speak freely about their emotional wellbeing and use crochet as a tool for stress relief and peer support. Twenty two year old Sumaya Msah Apondi, one of the first members, had always battled social anxiety and found it difficult to express herself.
Crochet changed that. “ I’ve learned to crochet and make different patterns. Now, I just dig myself into it and in the process, I open up to others.” While the mental health impact was apparent, Dynamite Hooks faced an additional challenge: cost. Yarn was pricey, with each roll costing roughly Ksh60. Even a tiny piece of cloth could use six or more rolls, posing a substantial challenge for many. But Triza and her team found a creative solution: upcycling old sweaters from the local thrift market.
She hopes that by creating a dedicated hub, she would be able to build the community, increase their effect, and inspire more people to embrace sustainable fashion as a means of healing and empowerment. More than 10 million people in Africa rely on creative and cultural industries for income, demonstrating that crafts like crochet are more than just hobbies; they are engines of change.
