A programme aimed at empowering underprivileged women in the Temburong District through the making and sale of tote bags was launched at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital yesterday.
The ‘Harapan Ku – Tote Bag Empowerment Project’, an initiative by the Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM), hopes to address the challenges faced by underprivileged women in the district, said MKM representative Datin Paduka Hajah Intan binti Haji Mohd Kassim.
“Many of these women, despite their talent, face barriers such as limited access to tools, material and markets, restricting their potential to achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities,” she added.
The project aims to create a supportive framework for the women to start and mange their own sewing businesses, focusing on utilising recycled materials to produce tote bags, aligning with both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, she said.
Datin Paduka Hajah Intan said MKM will supply sewing machines, materials and other essential tools, while also offering marketing and sales support to help them launch and promote their products.
“Providing underprivileged women with the tools, training and resources necessary to establish a sewing business, not only improves their financial stability but also enhances their self-esteem,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan was the guest of honour. The project participants were presented with certificates and sewing equipment. – Lyna Mohamad
