Every woman who sews and has an ordinary sewing machine can join in the manufacture of the Good Bag. Working at home, she can set for herself the work hours she devotes to sewing.
As a vulnerable group, women bear greater sacrifices during social crises. Although having more obligations and less spare time, their work more often gets unpaid and inadequately valued – 13 percent of all women and 24 percent of women aged 55 to 64 are ranked as unpaid household members who work in family business or on the family farm. Women are more numerous in the unemployed population and have lesser average income than men holding the same jobs.
Economic dependence and inequality are the source of numerous other negative social trends, jeopardizing the life and dignity of women. The Good Bag is a step towards a different, better position for women.
The following associations have joined
in the manufacture of the Good Bag so far:
The association was founded in 1999 in Seleuš near Alibunar. It gathers women across all generations and pursues their economic empowerment through education in practical skills and production (sewing and growing eco foods), engaging also in the promotion of cultural heritage and protection of human and minority rights
The group was formed in 2000 in Temerin. They are committed to humanitarian work (mainly helping the elderly and children), heritage cultivation, promoting volunteering and women's entrepreneurship. Women of all ages sew different textile products and create handiwork that blends traditional with modern.
The association was established in Bačka Topola in 2001. Their efforts are turned to economic empowerment of women and gender equality initiatives – among other things, they operate an SOS phone line for women who are victims of violence. The members manufacture various textile products.
The association was created in 2006 in Ćuprija. It helps members of socially endangered groups to find jobs, promotes youth entrepreneurship and supports neglected children. The members sew products from "pust", a wooly cloth made using a special technique.
The association was founded in Knjaževac in 2005. It cultivates traditional folklore and folk art. It manufactures a line of ethno clothing, has a gallery and shop in Knjaževac and a souvenir shop on Stara Planina, and also holds an exhibition of folk art in Ćustivica.
