Why Stichting GildeLab Matters for Women:
Practical Support for
Skills, Confidence, and Progress









Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam-West, there’s a place where creativity and community come together, a place where women rediscover their confidence, learn new skills, and build brighter futures. That place is Stichting GildeLab.

At first glance, GildeLab looks like a busy production atelier, sewing machines humming, fabrics piled high, the air filled with laughter and focus. But look a little closer and you’ll see that it’s much more than that. It’s a social enterprise, a training ground, and above all, a community helping women find their feet and take their next steps in life.

A Place to Start Again...

Many of the women who come to GildeLab have had a tough journey. Some are new to the Netherlands, still finding their way in a new culture. Others have been out of work for a while raising children, facing illness, or struggling to re-enter the job market. For all of them, stepping into GildeLab is a chance to start again.

The atmosphere here is welcoming and supportive. It’s not about pressure or perfection….it’s about growth. The women are invited to learn by doing: sewing and working on real orders for local ethical brands. They see their work take shape and feel the pride that comes with creating something beautiful and useful.

Learning, Working, Growing...

What makes GildeLab so special is its balance of learning and production. It’s not a classroom, but a working atelier where skills grow naturally through experience. Women learn everything from textile techniques to teamwork and time management.  These are not just “soft skills” they’re the foundation for employment, independence, and confidence. As they get more comfortable, trainee-volunteers often take on more responsibility, guiding newcomers and sharing what they’ve learned. It’s a cycle of empowerment: each woman who grows helps another one take her first step.

Sustainability at the Core...

Beyond empowerment, GildeLab is deeply committed to sustainable, circular fashion. The team works with dead stock fabrics, small-batch materials, and local production methods to reduce waste. Every product carries a story, not only of craftsmanship, but of care for the planet and the people behind it.  This focus on ethical production doesn’t just benefit the environment. It gives women a chance to learn about sustainability in practice something increasingly valuable in today’s fashion industry. They see that their work can have meaning beyond a paycheck; it can contribute to a fairer, cleaner world.

Finding Confidence and Connection...

Perhaps the most transformative thing GildeLab offers isn’t a skill at all it’s confidence. For many women, their first weeks at the atelier can feel daunting. But with each stitch, each project completed, they grow. They start believing in their abilities again.  Soon, the fear gives way to pride. They talk about their work with joy. They laugh more. They begin to imagine possibilities further training, a job in fashion, even starting a small business of their own. And along the way, they form friendships that last. GildeLab becomes a second home a place where they’re seen, supported, and celebrated.

A Ripple of Change...

When you visit GildeLab, you can feel the energy, a quiet determination mixed with warmth. It’s the sound of women building something together: not just garments, but futures.

Each woman who leaves GildeLab takes her skills, confidence, and creativity out into the world. Some move into regular employment, others pursue further education, and some stay connected as mentors or collaborators. The ripple effect is real stronger women build stronger communities.

Why GildeLab Matters...

In a world where too many people fall through the cracks, GildeLab shows what’s possible when we invest in people’s potential. It’s not just about sewing; it’s about stitching lives back together, thread by thread.
With its blend of craftsmanship, care, and sustainability, Stichting GildeLab is proving that empowerment and enterprise can go hand in hand and that when women are given the tools to thrive, they can transform not only their own lives, but their communities too.

Why Stichting GildeLab Exists



GildeLab was originally founded as a place for workshops and community connections — a space where women could come together, learn new skills, and support one another. Over time, however, the vision evolved. We realised that beyond learning and social connection, these women needed opportunities to move into meaningful work and build sustainable futures. Today, GildeLab exists to do just that: to empower women with training, confidence, and real work experience, helping them step into jobs, careers, and new possibilities that were previously out of reach.

At its heart, GildeLab is about women. Women with talent, creativity, and determination — but who, too often, find the doors to work closed. Some are new to the Netherlands and still learning the language. Others have had to put jobs or education aside to care for their families. Many simply haven’t been given the chance to show what they can do.

Without support, these women risk being left behind — financially, socially, and emotionally. GildeLab exists to change that story.


A safe place to grow...

Walking into the studio, women find more than sewing machines and fabrics. They find a community. A place where it’s safe to learn, to make mistakes, and to try again. Step by step, they gain skills — sewing, working as a team, independent thinking — but just as importantly, they rebuild confidence, pride and a sense of belonging.

We’ve seen women arrive quiet and unsure, and leave with their heads held high, ready for the next step in life — whether that means further training, a job, or simply believing in themselves again.

Learning through real work...
Of course, growth isn’t only about lessons; it’s about practice. That’s why GildeLab connects women’s training with real production projects. Small, sustainable brands who want to produce ethically can turn to GildeLab for help. Their projects become learning opportunities — giving women hands-on experience, teamwork, and the feeling of contributing to something tangible and beautiful.

Yes, the products matter. But the real story is the women behind them: women gaining confidence, mastering new skills, and proving — to themselves and to others — that they can.

Why it matters....

Inequality doesn’t disappear by itself. Many women simply need a chance — a safe space, supportive mentors, and meaningful work that helps them grow. GildeLab offers that chance. And along the way, it also shows that fashion production can be different: local, ethical, and rooted in community.

Because when women thrive, families thrive. Communities thrive. And ultimately, society as a whole becomes stronger.

That’s why GildeLab exists. And that’s why it matters.






Learning and Building Together for the Future 
Jenny’s Role in Shaping Stichting Gildelab


At GildeLab, it's all about creating, learning, and growing together. Jenny Sinton plays a crucial role within this organisation and is clearly proud of it. Her journey with GildeLab began in 2022 when a former colleague approached her, asking if she had ever considered working at GildeLab. It was a challenge she embraced with both hands; especially given the difficult period the organization was going through due to the impact of COVID-19.

From the moment she started at GildeLab, Jenny focused on the daily operations in the studio. Thanks to her background in the fashion industry, she quickly found her footing. She soon grew to be the head of the studio, and her work ethic perfectly aligned with GildeLab's mission. She even describes it as the best step in her career.

Since GildeLab's founding in 2014, much has changed. What began as an initiative to provide a safe and social environment for women has grown into a production studio that specifically focuses on women with a migrant background who face barriers to employment. Initially, the focus was on introduction and integration, for example through workshops. Now, it is more about participation in the labor market, with training and skills that directly enhance their job prospects.

Jenny began her career at GildeLab by getting to know the studio and strengthening the brand. Within six months, she was managing the Stichting. Her first focus was to ensure that the women felt comfortable. She then worked on professionalizing GildeLab, which led to more clients, projects, and collaborations with partners.

One of the highlights of Jenny's work at GildeLab is the recognition by the CBF, an independent foundation that oversees fundraising for charities. It was a lengthy process, but the recognition confirms GildeLab's status as a serious and reliable foundation. Additionally, she is proud of her team's strong work ethic and the achievements the women have achieved, which significantly boost their employment prospects.

For Jenny, the most important aspect of GildeLab is that the women continue to develop and work towards employment. The projects they collaborate on are all aimed at the success of this plan. It is inspiring for her to see how the women’s self-confidence grows during their time at GildeLab. They often leave the organisation with an incredibly strong self-image, and that deeply moves Jenny.

The working conditions at GildeLab are anything but stressful. Learning is central, and making mistakes is seen as an opportunity to grow. The women appreciate seeing their end results, as it helps them truly realize what they have accomplished. Jenny loves seeing how some women become independent and start making their own choices. She enjoys helping them reach that level of independence by assigning tasks that match their abilities and supporting them where needed.

There are challenges as well, including some women finding it difficult to transition out of GildeLab. Jenny envisions a future where she can offer employment opportunities, allowing women to become employees, while still maintaining the volunteer program. She believes that seeing the progress and achievements of employed women will inspire volunteers to develop their own skills and pursue employment, not just within GildeLab, but beyond, but this remains a future goal she hopes to achieve.

Additionally, the work takes a lot of time, and there is always the pressure to meet deadlines. Jenny sees it as a learning process where the women gain valuable work experience. Moreover, obtaining grants and donations is a continuous challenge since GildeLab, as a foundation, does not make a profit and relies on external funding and client projects to continue to run.

Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at GildeLab is warm and familial. The day begins relaxed with coffee and conversations, and during lunch, dishes and cultures are shared, with Jenny always discovering something new. In this safe and supportive environment, all women can be completely themselves.

The success story of GildeLab impacts not only the development of the women but also Jenny herself. She looks forward to the future with great anticipation, and to the growth she can continue to achieve together with the women.

Why Stichting GildeLab's Year-Long Journey to
CBF Recognition is a Milestone Worth
Celebrating…




At Stichting GildeLab, our mission has always been clear: to contribute meaningfully to a better world. However, having a mission is one thing; demonstrating our commitment to it with transparency, accountability, and effectiveness is another. That’s why we embarked on the rigorous process of earning the CBF Recognition, a quality mark issued by the CBF, the Supervisory Authority for Charities. Now, after a year of dedicated effort, we are proud to announce that we have officially been granted this prestigious Recognition—a milestone that signifies much more than just a seal of approval.


Why the CBF Recognition Matters…

The CBF Recognition is not just a badge; it's a testament to an organisation’s integrity and efficiency. For donors and partners, it serves as a guarantee that their contributions are being managed responsibly and that their funds are making a real difference. With 4.4 billion euros in charitable donations under CBF's watchful eye, the Recognition assures the public that every recognized organization meets stringent quality standards. Larger organisations face different requirements than smaller ones, ensuring that the Recognition is fair and tailored to the scale of each charity’s operations.

For Stichting GildeLab, achieving this Recognition means that we have met these high standards and can confidently assure our supporters that every euro entrusted to us is used wisely, contributes to tangible positive outcomes, and is subject to rigorous oversight.


The Journey: A Year of Dedication...

Completing the process to obtain CBF Recognition is no small feat. It requires an organisation to thoroughly examine and often improve its internal processes, financial management, governance, and transparency practices. For Stichting GildeLab, this year-long journey was both challenging and rewarding.  We took this time to ensure that every aspect of our operations was aligned with the best practices and expectations set by the CBF. From refining our financial reporting systems to enhancing our accountability mechanisms, each step was a conscious effort to build trust with our community and stakeholders. We also engaged in continuous learning and collaboration, seeking feedback and making necessary adjustments to meet the CBF’s comprehensive criteria.


A Milestone Achievement...

Earning the CBF Recognition is more than just a certification for Stichting GildeLab—it is a significant achievement that reflects our commitment to excellence and transparency. This milestone not only validates the hard work we've put into our organisation over the past year but also sets a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

As a recognised charity, we now have an added layer of credibility that strengthens our relationships with donors, partners, and the broader community. The CBF Recognition is a symbol of our dedication to making a meaningful impact and our promise to continue doing so with integrity and responsibility.


Looking Ahead...

While we celebrate this achievement, our journey is far from over. The CBF Recognition is not a final destination but a starting point for even greater accountability and effectiveness in our work. We are excited to continue our mission with the confidence that we are meeting the highest standards in the industry.

To all our supporters, we extend our deepest gratitude for your trust and belief in our work. With your continued support, and now with the CBF Recognition to guide us, Stichting GildeLab is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

If you would like to learn more about what this Recognition means and view our CBF Recognition Passport, click on the link and visit the CBF website for more infromation.

Together, we can continue to build a better world—transparently, effectively, and with the utmost care.

Beyond Labels:

Redress The Balance and Gildelab's
Journey to Gender-Neutral and Sustainable Clothing






At Stichting GildeLab, we're excited to spotlight our ongoing collaborations with brands that exemplify consciousness, sustainability, and ethics. Since 2021, we've proudly partnered with ‘Redress The Balance’, marking our youngest client to date! Founders Lotte and Tess bring a refreshing perspective to fashion, infusing each creation with a commitment to gender neutrality and environmental stewardship. Through their brand, "Redress The Balance," they've ignited dialogue and paved the way for a more inclusive future.


‘Redress The Balance' brings order to the chaotic fashion world with gender-neutral and sustainable clothing.

The fashion world is always evolving. Clothing is produced abundantly and rapidly. Consequently, much of the clothing we purchase is not made sustainably. Sisters Lotte and Tess are trying to change that. They founded the gender-neutral and sustainable clothing brand 'Redress The Balance' in 2021. We spoke with them about this brand and their collaboration with Gildelab.

Lotte and Tess are still young, but they have a serious perspective on fashion. The idea for Redress The Balance arose during a school project on sustainable clothing. The assignment got the girls thinking, and they decided to further develop their idea. The name was quickly chosen. "'Redress The Balance' means creating order in chaos. That was our goal with the clothing line."

According to Lotte and Tess, fashion has no gender. Why should it? "It doesn't matter where you come from, what your gender is, or who you love. Everyone is equal." With Redress The Balance, they aim to share that mindset with others. Because every little bit helps: change starts with yourself.

The girls deliberately opted for sustainable items. All their clothing pieces are handmade. "We don't have large stocks, but we can easily reorder. We want to prove that it's truly possible to manufacture and purchase sustainably." They also only use fabrics with the GOTS label, ensuring that the entire production process is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

For the production of their clothing, Redress The Balance has been working with Gildelab Foundation for a long time. Mother Nancy stumbled upon the studio after an online search and immediately felt good about it. That's because Jenny thinks along well. "If we have an idea for, say, a sweater, she discusses it with us. What works, and what doesn't? Then Gildelab creates a sample. Our feedback is truly incorporated. That's very nice." The designs for the prints are created by the sisters themselves and digitally developed by a professional illustrator.

They not only receive advice on the clothing itself but also on the market. And Jenny also tells them if an idea is not feasible. This honesty makes the clothing brand very satisfied with Gildelab. And, importantly, during visits to the studio, there is also plenty of room for fun.

Redress The Balance is not standing still. They recently released an embroidered sweater on the market. They are also currently working on increasing brand awareness. Lotte and Tess hope to reach many more people with their sustainable and gender-neutral clothing. Of course, in collaboration with Gildelab.

www.redressthebalance.nl