It has been mandatory to wear a mask in public places, but with the ongoing spike in Coronavirus cases โ weโre all left fearing another nationwide lockdown that poses a major threat to our economy, social well-being and mental health. Although it is more likely that they will continue with regional lockdowns and strict travel restrictions, marginalized groups like lower-income workers, along with women, youth and minorities, will still be deeply affected.
Social enterprises have helped out with the crisis from feeding the underprivileged to even providing them with jobs. Many have seen the increasing demand for washable, more environmentally-friendly face masks as an opportunity to supply B40 women, Orang Asli mothers, the OKU Group and refugee communities with an income.
Hereโs where you can buy a reusable face mask that contributes to these charitable causes:
Posted by Cuci Ceria Project on Thursday, October 1, 2020
The Cuci Ceria Project uses recycled cotton fabrics for their face masks, which are made by refugee and B40 women. With every adult mask purchased, they will donate two masks to those who are unable to afford it.
Made in Sabah, Changgih Designs hires local moms and artisans to produce their products from handbags and wallets to face masks. Their #Give10ToSabah program sees 10% of their profits being used to help other Sabahans and the community.
Earth Heir is a luxury brand that is fair trade certified with the World Fair Trade Organisation. They engage in ethical partnerships by supporting ethnic and refugee artisans with income opportunities and career development.
A collaboration between grassroots organisations and local artisans, INKAA partners with marginalised communities to produce their products and ensure fair wages. Each purchase supports the livelihood of these communities.
Komuniti Tukang Jahit provides women who are home-based tailors with job opportunities. This enables housewives, single women and single mothers to earn a sustainable income from home.
6. Mangosteen
Mangosteenย uses 100% of their profits to help empower the lives of women and children in Southeast Asia. Their hand sanitisers are made by Orang Asli mothers, and their reusable face masks areย made byย mothers from the B40 and refugee communities
A transformational enterprise, Sew x Dignity empowers youth and women from refugee communities. All profits are put back into the Foundation to train more students on how to start their own enterprise.
8. Surya Bags
Women/teenager
Posted by SURYA BAGS on Thursday, September 24, 2020
Surya Bags are handmade in Malaysia by refugees from Myanmar. They help those who fled their homeland to escape dangerous situations and forced labour.
9. The Asli Co
The Asli Co works with Orang Asli women to support their children’s education. By employing women from marginalised communities, they are also able to help keep indigenous kids in school.
By hiring local artisans to produce their batik products, The Batik Boutique is able to provide them with aย fair, sustainable income, as well as marketable skills. Their vision is to empower hundreds of womenย with the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.
11. The Y Shop
Posted by YWCA KL on Saturday, May 23, 2020
The Young Women’s Christian Association started a sewing workshop for young women in the B40 community. This grew into an online store with bags being made by these women, providing them with an income.
