Workspace Opens Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilities

In Indonesia, the Dama Kara Foundation is bridging the gap between people with disabilities and economic opportunities, particularly within the fashion sector. Despite the limited labor force participation among the nation's 17 million working-age individuals with disabilities, Dama Kara is leveraging their artistic talents to create commercial value.

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I am committed to making Dama Kara a platform for people with disabilities to create and embrace them. We believe that true creativity knows no limits.

Founded in 2024, the foundation offers a comprehensive program that includes one-on-one drawing classes facilitated by art instructors. The participants' artwork is then developed through workshops, exhibitions, and ultimately transformed into commercial fashion products. This approach aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing a platform to showcase their skills and generate income.

Nurdini Prihastiti, founder and CEO of Dama Kara Foundation, expressed her commitment to making the foundation a space where people with disabilities can create and thrive, believing that "creativity knows no bounds." The foundation integrates the participants' art onto textiles, applying it to products such as kebaya, outerwear, and skirts. Dama Kara's collections have already reached international markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea, and have been featured in fashion events in France and South Korea.

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They are not charged a single penny. From the selection process to their creative work, from art facilitators to drawing tools, everything is provided by Dama Kara. From each Dama Kara collection (sold), we set aside a portion to support classes for friends with special needs.

Participants receive free training, including art facilitators and drawing materials. A portion of the sales from Dama Kara's collections is reinvested to support these classes for individuals with special needs. Prihastiti stated that the business's sustainability relies on its positive impact, and Dama Kara's growth is a testament to the contributions of people with disabilities.

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A business will continue to exist as long as its impact can be directly felt by others. Dama Kara is currently continuously developing and growing because people with disabilities also help us.