An outreach initiative dedicated to supporting women in underserved communities across Jamaica was relaunched in commemoration of Women’s History Month and Child Month 2025.

Originally launched in 2020, The Handbag Project is a collaboration between the Institute for Gender and Development Studies — Regional Coordinating Office (IGDS-RCO), and The University of the West Indies Mona Campus.

The project was closely aligned with the IGDS Research, Activism, Community Engagement, and Education (RACE) Mission, which aimed at restoring hope and dignity by providing vulnerable women with handbags filled with essential personal care items.

This year, the IGDS partnered with the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF), a pivotal organisation established in 1978 under the Office of the Prime Minister.

The WCJF’s flagship programme for adolescent mothers served approximately 500 teen mothers islandwide, including nearly 100 in the Kingston and St Andrew region.

Through its holistic approach, the foundation supported young mothers in continuing their secondary education while also offering daily hot meals and psychosocial services.

Dr Halimah DeShong, director of the IGDS-RCO, emphasised the significance of this year’s initiative:

“We recognised that nourishment, comfort, and access to basic care were crucial for the well-being of adolescent mothers and their children. Through The Handbag Project we aimed to ease some of their daily burdens while affirming their right to education and self-determination,” said DeShong.

Each handbag contained essential baby items, personal care products, and other gifts designed to support both mother and child. This symbolic gesture of care and solidarity served as a powerful reminder that these young women were not alone on their journey.

Staff, students, and the wider UWI community were invited to join in making a meaningful difference. Donations of new or gently used handbags and care items were welcomed and appreciated.