About this programme
Weaving a Legacy: Empowering Women Weavers in ASEAN, One Thread at a Time.
The rhythmic clatter of the loom tells a story not just of heritage, but of hope, story brought to life by the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) programme, a flagship programme by Maybank Foundation. More than a community project, MWEW is a regional movement that artfully intertwines tradition, sustainability, and women’s empowerment across Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines. With a mission to preserve centuries-old woven textile techniques while championing financial independence, the programme uplifts women from underserved rural communities, equipping them with the tools to turn their craft into a livelihood. Rooted in eco-conscious values, MWEW supports every layer of the traditional woven textile supply chain, from mulberry, cotton and abaca farmers to the women weavers themselves, ensuring that both culture and the environment are honoured. At its heart, MWEW is more than just weaving. It’s about restoring dignity, fostering community, and threading new possibilities into the lives of women across ASEAN.
Over
More than
weavers trained through Maybank Women Eco-Weavers
Empowering Women Through Traditional Weaving
Since the community empowerment programme is designed to support traditional weaving practices in ASEAN.
Involves by identifying new talent, providing training and capacity building, and offering microfinance to sustain women entrepreneurs.
In each country, Maybank Women Eco-Weavers is tailored to meet country-specific targets and objectives based on unique local contexts.
Environmental stewardship also serves as a key differentiator in production, as we promote eco-friendly, naturally dyed handwoven items.
Our Programme’s Strategy
Skills and Training
- Access to formal weaving training
- Knowledge sharing within community
- A training center and knowledge repository
where people study/research the art of weaving - Related upskilling training
Empowering Women
- Women empowerment, education and skills
- More job opportunities for rural women & the community improvement
- Reduce urban migration
Community Development
- Keep local and regional culture as a part of the community/regional heritage
- Building a community business concept for a better life
Eco Weaving Practices
- 100% natural raw material
- Natural dye colour made from tree bark, leaves, seed, stem roots, etc.
- No chemicals or artificial food are used to feed the silk worm
- Pesticide free Mulberry trees planting
- Reduce water pollution
Environmental-friendly Production Processes
- Reduce usage of harmful pesticides and synthetic colours
- Production process and final produce are safe for users and environment
Creating a Better Livelihood
- Increase household income
- Alleviate poverty
- Improve the community economy in the creative industry
- Improve children’s education
- Improve living conditions
- Better healthcar
Our Strategy
Our Impact
Tapestry of ASEAN
Represented by the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) Beneficiary Countries
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- The Maybank Women Eco-Weavers Programme is endorsed by ASEAN as a programme that is aligned to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 via our participation at the ASEAN 50th Anniversary Celebration graced by the President of Indonesia, H.E. Pak Jokowi in 2017
- Bronze award recipient at the Global CSR Awards under the “Best Community Programme” in 2017
- Silver award recipient at the Global CSR Awards under the “Best Environmental Excellent Award” in 2018
- Gold award recipient at the Global CSR Awards under the “Best Community Programme” in 2019
- Achieved another milestone when a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the National Heritage Board of Singapore to work together to promote the art, culture and heritage of Southeast Asia in 2019
- Shortlisted in the Edie Sustainability Leaders Awards in 2018 & 2019, finalist in the “Social Sustainability & Community Development” category.
