Zonta Club of Laguna empowers incarcerated women: Handcrafted bags from San Pedro City jail reach ASEAN women leaders

San Pedro City, Laguna – A remarkable initiative by the Zonta Club of Laguna is shining a global spotlight on the resilience and creativity of women behind bars. Under the leadership of President Ann Matibag, the club’s “Bag-It-Forward” program has taken a major step forward—reaching Malaysia and other ASEAN countries through a symbolic act of empowerment.

As part of Zonta’s continuing livelihood and rehabilitation efforts, handcrafted bags made by female inmates of the San Pedro City Jail were chosen as official tokens for members of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly 2025 (WAIPA). The bags, meticulously sewn and designed within the jail walls, represent more than craftsmanship—they carry stories of strength, transformation, and hope.

Among the distinguished recipients were Hon. Ulziisuren Jamsran, UN Women Representative in Indonesia and ASEAN Liaison; Hon. Safiah Salam (Brunei Darussalam); Hon. Lork Kheng (Cambodia); Hon. Dr. Adde Rosi Khoerunnisa (Indonesia); Hon. Madame Thoummaly Vongphachanh (Lao PDR); Hon. Patsarin Ramwong (Thailand); Hon. Nguyen Thanh Cam (Vietnam); Hon. Maria Grou-Mali Barreto (Timor Leste); and Hon. Dato’ Sri Doris Sophia anak Brodi (Malaysia).

Ambassador Ulziisuren Jamsran, a leading advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, was particularly touched by the initiative. Moved by the craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece, she not only praised the project but also placed an order to further support the women artisans.

“These bags do more than carry items—they carry stories,” said Ambassador Jamsran. “Each one reflects the courage, dignity, and hope of the women who made them. They are not just well-made and stylish, but also powerful symbols of resilience and a desire to reclaim agency and purpose.”

Zonta Club of Laguna’s Bag-It-Forward project continues to transform lives, proving that rehabilitation, dignity, and empowerment can flourish—even behind bars.

Ambassador Jamsran left a heartfelt message for the women of San Pedro City Jail, “To all the women who are courageously walking this path of transformation, I want you to know that your strength does not go unnoticed. Every stitch you make is a step forward. You are not defined by your past, but by your ability to grow, to contribute and to rise. Keep believing in yourselves. The world needs your talent, your resilience and your voice.”

President Ann Matibag of Zonta Club of Laguna also expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “This initiative reminds us that women—wherever they are—can be agents of change. We are proud of the women in San Pedro Jail for proving that rehabilitation is not just possible but powerful. With the support of global leaders like Ambassador Jamsran, we hope to expand this program and create even more opportunities for these women to rebuild their lives with purpose and pride.”

This project exemplifies Zonta’s mission : building a better world for women and girls, one life, one skill, one stitch at a time and one second chance at a time.