Stitching a Gender Equal Future

Stitching Empowerment – Verein zur Förderung des Frauenempowerments und der Gemeinschaftsbildung durch Handarbeit
"Association for the Promotion of Women's Empowerment and Community Building through Handcraft"

Alia

Our Mission

To empower women through accessible handcraft skills workshops and capacity-building training that fosters confidence, empowerment, potential economic freedom, community connection, and personal agency. Every stitch weaves growth, strength, and belonging.

Programs

1. Creative Skills Workshops (crochet, knitting, sewing)
2. Leadership & Capacity Building Trainings
3. Community Engagement

Join us in empowering women through skills development and community. Volunteer, partner, or support our programs to make a real impact today.

Alia
Alia

Participant Experiences:

"I loved to be challenged and enjoyed that me and the other participants could share and help each other other whenever we felt stuck"Favorite part of workshop: "The combination of skill building and social exchange""How open it was and how everyone regardless of how good they were had the chance to learn"

Our Story

We believe even simple tools like a crochet hook can become powerful agents of change.Since our founding, Stitching Empowerment has grown into a vibrant network of workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects. We partner with local organizations, cultural centers, and community groups to expand our reach and impact.Our goal remains to uplift women, amplify their voices, and create spaces where they can connect, learn, and lead. Every project, workshop, and partnership reflects our values: creativity, collaboration, and women-led empowerment.This journey continues with hands-on learning, skill-building, and meaningful connections - and we invite you to be part of it.

Our Vision

Our vision is a world where every woman has the tools to craft her own future. Beyond teaching a craft, we are building a global network of solidarity, ensuring that no woman stitches alone.

Our Focus

1. Build practical and leadership skills
Structured handcraft (crochet & knitting) facilitation-based sessions that strengthen technical ability and personal confidence.2. Foster meaningful connection
A supportive network rooted in collaboration, creativity, and shared growth.3. Encourage intercultural exchange
Opportunities to connect across borders through partnerships and digital programming.4. Elevate women voices
Platforms to share stories, showcase work, and build visibility.5. Ensure continuity and access
Ongoing programming supported by volunteers, partnerships, and sustainable funding.

Who we are

Stitching Empowerment is a community that empowers women through creative workshops, and capacity-building programs.Founded in Vienna by a team of passionate changemakers, our volunteers drive every program we offer.

Our Programs

Stitching Empowerment offers hands-on workshops, leadership and empowerment trainings, and community events designed to empower women through creativity, connection and skill development. Explore our core programs below to see how we bring our mission to life.

Program Pillars

1. Creative Skills Workshops

• Crochet, knitting, sewing and other handcrafts
• Focus on skill-building and creative expression
• Short, practical workshops suitable for all levels

2. Leadership & Capacity Building

• Workshops on leadership, empowerment, and self-development
• Sessions covering gender equality, community engagement, and advocacy
• Designed to give participants tools to take action in their community

3. Community Engagement

• Opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and contribute to community-driven initiatives
• Partnerships with local organizations, cultural centers and community groups to expand reach and impact

4. Networking & Mentorship

• Structured opportunities for participants to connect with mentors and peers
• Encourages growth, guidance and ongoing involvement

Ready to join a workshop or see what's coming next? Check out our upcoming event and find a program that's right for you!

Check out photos from our events!

Get Involved

Attend a Workshop
We host different types of handcraft and capacity-building workshops and trainings. Check out our upcoming events and sign up!

Join Our Team of Volunteers
We are building a community where creativity empowers women. Volunteers are at the heart of our mission. Whether you can help with crochet workshops, social media, outreach, or event support, your time and skills make a real difference.Become part of our journey. Share your passion, connect with women around the world, and help us stitch change, one loop at a time.Fill out our volunteer form below to tell us how you would like to contribute. Every bit of support brings us closer to empowering more women globally.

Donate
Support SEVA’s mission by making a donation. All donations go directly towards SEVA’s activities, which are offered free of charge to the community, supporting workshops, initiatives, and programs that promote women’s empowerment through creative competence development.You can transfer contributions directly to our association’s account using the following details:• IBAN: AT25 2011 1856 3514 3900
• BIC/SWIFT: GIBAATWWXXX
• Account holder: SEVA – Stitching Empowerment Verein
• Bank name: Erste Bank

Meet the team!

Founders

Alia

Alia Flanigan
CEO & Founder

Alia holds a Masters degree in International Relations from Central European University and has worked with the OSCE Secretariat (Vienna), OSCE/ODIHR in Warsaw, the Peace Corps in Cambodia, Fulbright in Malaysia, Counterpart International in Washington DC, Femme Incroyable (Brussels) and the US Department of State including the US Embassy in Ljubljana and the US Mission to the United Nations. Throughout her career, she has focused on gender equality, community development, and inclusive programming. SEVA brings together her international experience and her belief that practical skills, creative spaces, and supportive communities can strengthen women confidence and opportunity.

Alia

Christopher Bowers
Co-Founder

Christopher earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, with minors in Spanish and Business with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His work has taken him from community education initiatives in Cambodia with the U.S. Peace Corps to federal human resources administration with the U.S. General Services Administration. He is passionate about youth development and equitable access to opportunity. Through SEVA, Christopher is committed to cultivating collaborative environments where learning by doing and mutual support encourage personal growth and open new pathways forward.

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers are the backbone of SEVA. Each person helps shape our direction through their expertise, background, and interests. Their diverse skills, experience, and passions strengthen our work while supporting their own skill development, capacity, and personal and professional growth.

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question, want to volunteer, explore a partnership, or request a workshop, you can reach us here. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Impressum

Information in accordance with Section 5 E Commerce Act and Section 24 Media ActName of the association
SEVA – Stitching Empowerment – Verein zur Förderung des Frauenempowerments und der Gemeinschaftsbildung durch HandarbeitLegal form
Registered association (Verein)Registered seat
Vienna, AustriaRegistration authority
Landespolizeidirektion WienRegistration number
ZVR number: 1186303683Represented by
Alia Flanigan, ChairpersonContact
Email: [email protected]Basic direction of the website
This website provides information about the activities, workshops, and initiatives of SEVA and promotes its mission of women empowerment through creative competence development and community engagement.Liability for Content
The content of this website has been prepared with due care. However, SEVA does not assume liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided.External Links
This website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties. SEVA has no influence over their content and assumes no responsibility for third party content.Copyright
All content on this website, including text, photographs, graphics, and design elements, is protected by copyright. Unless otherwise indicated, the rights are held by SEVA. Use, reproduction, or distribution of content without prior written permission is not permitted.

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy For Stitching Empowerment Verein
Effective Date: 01/03/20261. IntroductionSEVA respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal data you share with us when you visit our website. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, your rights, and how to contact us about your personal data.2. Controller and Contact DetailsThe data controller responsible for your personal data collected on this website is:SEVA (Stitching Empowerment - Verein zur Förderung des Frauenempowerments und der Gemeinschaftsbildung durch Handarbeit)
Address: Thaliastrasse 32/1/13, 1160 Wien, Österreich
Email: [email protected]
Point of Contact: Alia Flanigan (CEO)3. What Personal Data We CollectWe collect personal data that you voluntarily provide to us and data collected automatically when you use our website. This includes:
• Contact details you submit via forms (name, email address, message content)
• Email address for newsletter or updates
• Technical information about your visit such as IP address, browser type, device identifiers
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies when you consent to them
We do not collect sensitive personal data unless you explicitly provide it for a specific purpose.4. How We Collect Your DataPersonal data is collected when you:
• Fill in a contact form
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Interact with features on our site
• Use our website, in which case technical information is collected automatically via cookies and analytics tools.Third party services such as analytics or social media plugins may also collect data as described in their own privacy policies.5. Why We Process Your Data and Legal BasisWe process your personal data for the following purposes:
• To respond to enquiries and manage communications with you
• To send newsletters or updates where you have consented
• To understand how our website is used and improve its performance
Where required by law, we rely on your consent to process cookies and tracking technologies.6. Cookies and Similar TechnologiesWe use cookies to improve your experience on our site, measure usage, and personalise content. These may include essential cookies required for website functionality and optional cookies for analytics and performance. You can manage your cookie preferences via the consent banner or your browser settings.7. How Long We Keep Your DataWe retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy or to comply with legal obligations. Contact form submissions are retained for 5 years, and newsletter data is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.8. How We Protect Your DataSEVA takes appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, alteration, or disclosure. Access to your personal data is restricted to authorised personnel and trusted service providers acting on our instructions.9. Data Sharing and Third PartiesWe may share your personal data with third party service providers that help us operate the website, send newsletters, or analyse performance. These partners are only permitted to process data for SEVA’s purposes and under our instructions. We do not sell personal data to third parties.Use of Google Forms for Event RegistrationWhen you register for a workshop, event, or activity organised by SEVA, you may be redirected to a Google Form. The personal data you provide through this form, such as your name, email address, and any additional information necessary for event organisation, is collected and processed by SEVA for the purpose of managing registrations and communicating with participants.Google Forms is provided by Google Ireland Limited. Google acts as a service provider processing personal data on behalf of SEVA.Google may process personal data on servers located outside the European Union. Where such transfers occur, appropriate safeguards are applied in accordance with applicable data protection law.Further information on how Google processes personal data is available in Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy10. International TransfersIf any personal data is transferred outside the EU or European Economic Area, appropriate safeguards will be in place to protect your data as required by law.11. Photography and Media UseDuring SEVA workshops and events, photographs and video recordings may be taken for communication and outreach purposes.Participants are informed during the registration process that photographs may be taken. This information is also reiterated at the beginning of each workshop or event. Participation in photography is voluntary. Individuals may object to being photographed or recorded at any time, and we will respect such requests.Photographs and recordings may be published on SEVA’s website and on SEVA’s official social media platforms for the purpose of documenting activities, promoting future events, and communicating about our work.The legal basis for processing photographs is consent. Where consent is withdrawn or an objection is raised, SEVA will take reasonable steps to remove the relevant images from future use.12. Your RightsUnder applicable data protection laws, you have rights including:
• The right to access the personal data we hold about you
• The right to correct inaccurate data
• The right to request deletion or restriction of processing
• The right to object to processing
• The right to data portability where applicable
• The right to withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consentTo exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address above.13. Changes to This PolicyWe may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in practice or law. The updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.14. Complaints
If you consider that the processing of your personal data infringes applicable data protection law, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
In Austria, the competent supervisory authority is the Austrian Data Protection Authority. It can be contacted at: [email protected]
Lodging a complaint is without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy.

Upcoming Events:

Creative Handcraft Workshops:Crochet Workshop for Intermediates / Returning
Time & Date: 22nd March @ 14:30
Location: Frei Yoga & Cafe
Instructor: Alia
Audience: This workshop is geared to those who already know the basic stitches and want to learn to make a project, item or pattern.Crochet Workshop for Beginners
Time & Date: 29th March @14:30
Location: Frei Yoga & Café
Instructor: Mica
Audience: This workshop is geared for complete beginners and will learn the foundation.Crochet Workshop for all levels
Date: 11 April @ 11:30am
Location: Cafe Caspar
Instructors: Mica & AliaCrochet Workshop for all levels
Date: 26 April @ 11:30am
Location: Cafe Caspar
Instructors: Mica & Alia

Capacity-Building Trainings:8 March 2026: Craft My Power
Crafting My Power is an interactive International Women Day workshop exploring empowerment through the past, present, and future of crafting. Through guided discussion and a hands on junk journaling and collage session, participants reflect on community, sustainability, equality, and envision what an empowered future can look like.

Want to attend a workshop or training? Register for all our events using our Form below!