Ruang Setara: Women’s Right in Every Sphere of Life
Every woman has the right to live, learn, work, and participate in society without fear. The right to safety and equal access in public spaces, workplaces, educational environments, and digital spaces is a fundamental human right that must be fulfilled. Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), in its Guidelines for Monitoring Violence Against Women within the Human Rights Framework, states that human rights are universal, inalienable, and inherently linked to human dignity.
However, the reality on the ground shows that significant challenges remain. According to data from the SIMFONI-PPA system, throughout 2025 there were 28,933 reported cases of violence, affecting 30,013 women as victims.
Women continue to face risks of violence and discrimination across various spaces, from public transportation and educational institutions to workplaces. Sexual harassment in public transport, intimidation in the workplace, and violence in school environments are still reported by many women and girls.
SIMFONI-PPA also reports that public facilities, educational institutions, and workplaces ranked as the second, third, and fourth most common locations for violence against women in 2025. This situation indicates that spaces intended to support daily activities have not yet become fully safe for everyone.
These challenges have become increasingly complex with the rise of digital spaces, where people can easily interact online. Reports from Komnas Perempuan show that Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) has continued to increase in recent years. The Legal Aid Institute for the Indonesian Women’s Association for Justice (LBH APIK) recorded 250 cases in 2023 and 200 cases in 2024. This form of violence does not only occur on screens but also affects survivors’ real lives, causing psychological distress, social stigma, and limiting their ability to express themselves and participate in public spaces.
Violence in digital spaces, workplaces, and public areas shares the same root causes, unequal power relations and social norms that still tolerate behavior that demeans women. As long as these conditions persist, women will continue to face barriers to fully participating in social, economic, and political life.
Efforts to restore safe and equal spaces for women workers can include strengthening workplace institutions such as Bipartite Cooperation Institutions (LKS Bipartit) and task forces for the prevention and handling of gender-based violence and sexual harassment (GBV-SH). CARE Indonesia, together with its partners, has strengthened task forces and LKS Bipartit structures in two garment factories in Sukabumi District and Demak District. Strengthening these structures and integrating them within factory systems, bringing together management and workers, has helped reinforce prevention and response efforts to GBV-SH.
Sari Kusandi, a management representative involved in the task force and LKS Bipartit at PT Glory Industrial Semarang Demak, explained that once the task force and LKS Bipartit structures were strengthened and formally assigned, the process of responding to worker complaints became faster. “We no longer rely solely on HR to respond to workers’ grievances. The LKS Bipartit and task force are now able to respond to cases more effectively. In practice, workers have become more confident, and their potential is increasingly developing,” said Sari.
Vemi Januarita, a representative from the GBV-SH Prevention and Response Task Force at PT Dasan Pan Pacific Indonesia, also acknowledged that the establishment of the task force has provided her with valuable learning opportunities and capacity-building on gender equality, different forms of GBV-SH, and response mechanisms. “I feel a significant change in myself. My capacity has grown. I have become more confident at work, sharing opinions, coordinating with colleagues, and I even had the courage to pursue a promotion. Now I serve as a Supervisor in the accessories warehouse,” she said.
In community spaces, efforts to restore safe environments free from violence and promote equal access for women are equally important. One initiative supported by CARE Indonesia and its partners is the establishment of community complaint posts for GBV-SH cases, formally recognized through a decree issued by the village head. Tri Suwarni, a member of the GBV response support team in Sri Gunung Village, Musi Banyuasin District, said that such initiatives can help create safer spaces at the grassroots level.
“My hope is that one day there will be no more gender-based violence, no more women becoming victims or feeling marginalized without justice. Women and girls should have the courage to speak up,” she said.
International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder of the need to fulfill women’s rights to safe spaces and equal access. The 2026 theme from UN Women, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” calls for the removal of structural barriers to women’s rights, strengthened access to justice, and the realization of human rights for all women and girls around the world.
Restoring safe spaces and strengthening equal access for women requires collective commitment. Increasing public awareness about gender-based violence is an essential first step. Workplaces need to establish prevention and response mechanisms that are survivor-centered. In public spaces, policies and facilities that support women’s safety must be strengthened. In digital spaces, digital literacy and shared responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful content against survivors are essential to building a safer ecosystem.
Ruang Setara (Equal Spaces) is the call to action promoted by CARE Indonesia in this year’s International Women’s Day campaign. Ruang Setara invites everyone to firmly affirm that women have the right to safe spaces and equal access, at home, in schools, in communities, at workplaces, and in digital environments. Public voices, experiences, and hopes are essential in driving broader social change, because awareness, safety, and equal access for women must exist in every sphere of life, both physical and digital.
Let’s share your voice, support, and hopes for safe spaces free from gender-based violence and equal access for all, including women, in here.
Writer: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika
CARE Indonesia’s Contribution at the OECD Forum: Building Trust and Strengthening Grievance Mechanisms in the Garment Industry
Ensuring that workers feel safe to raise concerns in the workplace is a critical priority. This was the key lesson shared by CARE Indonesia during the 2026 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum. Drawing from its experience supporting garment factories in Indonesia, CARE Indonesia emphasized that having a system in place alone is not enough, the determining factor is workers’ trust in the mechanism itself.
Awalia Murtiana, Program Manager at CARE Indonesia, explained during the forum that some companies already have grievance mechanisms established. However, in practice, these systems are often underutilized. Workers tend to hesitate to report issues and only voice complaints when situations become severe or no longer tolerable.
“The core challenge is not the absence of procedures or policies, but how the system is experienced by workers in their daily lives. Many workers doubt the confidentiality of reports, worry about workplace rumors, or fear potential consequences after speaking up. This shows that grievance mechanisms are not merely technical tools, but social spaces shaped by power relations, workplace culture, and a sense of safety,” she said during the OECD forum held online on Friday (13/2), which was attended by more than 90 participants from the CARE Impact Partner network.
According to Awalia, to better understand these challenges, CARE Indonesia implemented a series of participatory approaches in partner factories, including worker focus group discussions, stakeholder mapping, internal factory assessments, and surveys to examine how grievance mechanisms function in practice.
“The intervention focused on strengthening the system holistically through a co-creation process designing solutions jointly with management and workers to ensure that changes are genuinely owned by the factory. The process began by strengthening understanding of gender equality, risks of gender-based violence in the workplace, and labor regulations that form the foundation of worker protection,” she added.
During the forum, Awalia also highlighted that knowledge alone is insufficient to drive behavioral change. Therefore, both workers and management were supported in developing practical skills such as assertive communication, dialogue facilitation, negotiation, as well as case handling and documentation.
“Another significant change took place within the structure of factory grievance mechanisms. Bipartite Committees were strengthened as formal platforms bringing workers and management together to resolve issues collaboratively. CARE Indonesia also supported the establishment of dedicated task forces to handle gender-based violence cases confidentially and through a survivor-centered approach,” she explained.
Awalia noted that gradual changes among workers have begun to emerge. Workers have become more confident in using grievance channels and better understand whom they can approach when facing problems. For CARE Indonesia, this increase is seen as a positive indicator.
“When workers begin to report, it means the system is starting to gain trust. Alongside increased reporting, relationships between workers and management have also improved. Communication has become more open and respectful, case documentation is more organized, and committees that were previously inactive are now functioning as active dialogue platforms. In one factory, workers even began approaching committee members directly after finally understanding clear communication pathways,” she said.
She further emphasized that the impact of these changes is felt not only by workers but also by companies. Strengthened grievance mechanisms help improve compliance beyond administrative documentation and into daily practice. A more open working environment also supports operational stability and production quality, demonstrating that worker protection and business sustainability can go hand in hand.
“From this experience, an effective system requires trust. When workers believe their voices are heard and handled safely, grievance mechanisms move beyond formality and become real tools for creating safer and more equitable workplaces for all,” Awalia concluded.
Writer: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika
CARE Response Sumatera Bangkit: Restoring Access to Clean Water and Essential Needs for Survivors in Aceh and West Sumatra
Hydrometeorological disasters, including flash floods, landslides, and riverbank erosion, struck the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November 2025. Rapid Needs Assessments and Gender Assessments conducted by CARE Indonesia in December 2025 revealed that 76 percent of communities in Aceh Tamiang experienced limited access to clean water as well as shortages of daily necessities such as hygiene supplies, household items, food, sanitation materials, and women’s hygiene products, including sanitary pads. The lack of clean water was largely caused by wells being filled with mud during the floods. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that, as of Friday (27/2), approximately 270,779 houses in Aceh and West Sumatra were damaged, affecting families’ personal belongings and essential household assets.
Together with partners, CARE Indonesia delivered gender-responsive assistance tailored to the needs of affected families, including food packages, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, bedding kits, household cleaning equipment, dignity kits, and clean water along with supporting infrastructure for disaster survivors across Aceh and West Sumatra. On Thursday (29/1), community members gathered at the Pagadih Village Hall in Palipuh Subdistrict, Agam District, where CARE Indonesia and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) West Sumatra distributed assistance to 20 households affected by landslides. The village, home to approximately 2,200 residents, was struck by landslides in early December 2025, causing severe damage to at least 20 houses and isolating the community for two weeks after road access was blocked by debris.
Nismawati, a single mother of four from Pagadih Village, shared that her home is no longer habitable after being buried by landslide debris, and most of her household belongings were destroyed. “It rained heavily since the afternoon, and I noticed the ground around my house shifting, so I decided to stay at a relative’s house. The next morning at around six, I returned and found my house already covered by soil. Now my home and belongings can no longer be used,” she said. She explained that the assistance package containing cooking equipment, food supplies, and personal hygiene items—has greatly supported her daily needs. “These items replace everything I lost. I can also send food to my youngest child, who is currently attending high school in another area. I am grateful and thankful to CARE Indonesia and PMI,” she added with a smile.
The flash floods in late November 2025 also damaged the Batang Kuranji Dam, triggering a water crisis in several areas of Padang City. The floods damaged pipelines belonging to the local water utility company (PDAM) and caused community wells to dry up, forcing residents to rely on water distributed by tanker trucks. Meri Susanti, one of the residents affected since early December 2025, explained that her family depends entirely on water supplied by CARE Indonesia and PMI after their well dried up due to the floods. “Since the water source disappeared, my family has relied on water assistance from PMI and CARE Indonesia for bathing, cooking, and washing. The water distribution point is only about 100 meters from our house, so it has been very helpful,” she said.
As of Wednesday (25/2), CARE Indonesia and PMI West Sumatra had distributed 3,335,505 liters of clean water and installed 20 water storage tanks across Padang City, reaching 286,117 people. In addition, 450 cooking sets, 650 food packages, and 790 personal hygiene kits were distributed to 832 households, benefiting 3,568 people across West Sumatra Province.
Household Assistance Supports Recovery for Families in Aceh Tamiang
Khairunisa, a resident of Dusun Damai in Kota Kuala Simpang Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang, and a single mother of one child, shared that flood waters reached approximately four meters high, damaging many of her personal belongings. According to her, the bedding kits and dignity kits provided by CARE Indonesia have been essential in replacing items lost during the floods.
“During the heavy rain, the water kept rising until my house collapsed. When I returned the next day, everything had been washed away. I am now staying at my sister’s house, where eight adults and three toddlers live together. The assistance package, especially the mosquito net, has been very helpful in protecting my toddler from mosquitoes at night,” she said on Monday (16/2).
She also explained that the flood damaged her household well, making clean water assistance crucial for daily life. “This water support is very important because we still do not have adequate access to clean water here. It becomes even more essential during Ramadan, when water needs increase,” she added.
In Aceh Tamiang District, CARE Indonesia collaborated with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Aceh Tamiang and Geusaba to distribute assistance. As of Thursday (26/2), CARE Indonesia and its partners had distributed 995 bedding kits and 1,755 dignity kits to 203 households, benefiting 449 people. A total of 100,000 liters of clean water had also been delivered to 3,517 households, reaching 17,588 people.
Supporting infrastructure for clean water access included the provision of 12 water storage tanks, nine water purification units, 20 hoses, nine water pumps, 17 water suction pumps, six generators, and well-cleaning services. Additionally, 12 emergency latrines for men and women were constructed in Kuala Simpang Subdistrict.
Field observations indicate that the needs of affected families in West Sumatra and Aceh remain significant. Assistance to meet clean water needs, household equipment, hygiene supplies, and daily essentials is still urgently required. CARE Indonesia is currently preparing an additional 620 hygiene and basic needs packages for survivors in Aceh Tamiang, which will be distributed together with partners in the coming phase of the response.
Writer: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika
Protecting the Coast from the Roots Up: Women of Palaes Village Safeguard Livelihoods through Mangrove Conservation in Likupang
Seawater moves gently with the tides, while mangrove roots grip the mud, holding the coastline together. Mangrove forests in North Minahasa District are the largest in North Sulawesi Province, covering 4,861.79 hectares, according to data from the Tondano Watershed Management Agency (BPDAS Tondano).
Wenon Tumundo, a coastal woman from Palaes Village, West Likupang District, North Sulawesi, is one of the women leading mangrove conservation efforts in her village. Together with other members of a women’s group, she actively protects the mangrove forest as part of the Lolaro Women-led Economic Business Groups (Kelompok Usaha Ekonomi Perempuan/KUEP). For Wenon, mangroves are not merely coastal vegetation; they serve as protection, a source of livelihood, and a legacy for future generations.
The presence of mangroves has brought tangible benefits to her life. When tourists visit the coastal area, Wenon gains additional income by selling snacks such as fried bananas, vegetable fritters, and other foods to visitors exploring the mangrove area. “I joined mangrove conservation because I want to help develop the village and preserve this forest for our children and grandchildren,” she explained.
Becoming a KUEP member reflects Wenon’s commitment to protecting mangroves. Together with her group, she is directly involved in the long process of restoring mangrove ecosystems, from collecting seedlings to replanting them in their natural habitat. She explained that collecting mangrove seedlings requires significant effort, often involving boat trips through mangrove channels to find viable seedlings. After collection, the seedlings are transported to a nursery area where they are cultivated for three to six months.
“The seedlings must be watered regularly because the nursery location does not always have a natural water source. To protect young plants from direct sunlight, we use paranet shading nets. The nursery also functions as a monitoring center; every seedling is counted and its growth tracked before being transferred to planting sites,” she added.
Through her involvement in mangrove planting, Wenon has developed a deeper understanding of the mangrove species growing around her community. Eight mangrove species are found in her village, and these are the species planted by the group. In addition to Rhizophora, two other species planted are Ceriops and Bruguiera, although Rhizophora remains dominant due to its suitability for the muddy substrate in the area.
“We learned about the mangrove species found here so we could understand which types are suitable and able to survive. We were trained to recognize that local sediment conditions only support certain species. This helped us better understand the ecosystem we have,” she said.
Wenon’s conservation journey alongside her fellow group members has not been without challenges. They face various obstacles while collecting seedlings and planting mangroves, ranging from difficult terrain to encounters with wildlife inhabiting the mangrove forest.
“Finding seedlings can be both easy and difficult. We have to navigate narrow mangrove channels by boat. During high tide, planting becomes more challenging. Sometimes we even see crocodiles, so we must stay cautious. But we do it joyfully. Sometimes we bring a radio and grill fish together after collecting seedlings or planting. Even though we are tired, our hearts feel happy and at peace because we help protect the mangroves,” she shared.
This mangrove conservation initiative, which places women’s groups as key actors, is implemented by CARE Indonesia in collaboration with Yayasan Bumi Tangguh (YBT), with support from the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN). The program includes planting 50,000 mangrove seedlings within the buffer zone of the Marine Conservation Area (Kawasan Konservasi Perairan/KKP), while also strengthening women’s empowerment through capacity building, knowledge enhancement, and economic opportunities across three program villages.
Fikri Buhamid, a field staff member of Yayasan Bumi Tangguh (YBT), explained that thanks to the persistence of women’s groups in collecting and nurturing mangrove seedlings, tens of thousands of mangroves have already been planted.
“To date, around 16,731 mangroves have been planted by women’s groups across three villages, Palaes, Serawet, and Minaesa. These mangroves are expected to become habitats for various species such as fish, shrimp, birds, crabs, and even tarsiers. The mangrove forests here are also home to crocodiles and snakes,” Fikri added.
He noted that as community awareness continues to grow, efforts to remind those who still engage in activities that may damage mangroves remain ongoing. This remains a shared responsibility between field facilitators and women’s groups to strengthen public understanding. Mangrove areas in the three villages are still relatively well preserved and function effectively as natural barriers against waves.
“For example, in Minaesa Village, some activities still pose risks to mangroves. However, community awareness to protect them is also increasing. This is what we will continue to strengthen. We hope that over time, this program will create lasting change in how communities across the three villages understand and protect mangroves and the wildlife that depend on them,” he concluded.
Writer: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika
Establishment of Women-led Prosperous Business Groups Expands Financial Access for Women Waste Pickers
Limited access to formal financial systems, unstable income, and double burdens remain key challenges for many women waste pickers. To strengthen economic resilience and promote gender equality among waste pickers, including women waste pickers, CARE Indonesia and Mahija Foundation, with the support of partners, have facilitated the formation of three Women-led Prosperous Business Groups in Cimone Subdistrict, Tangerang City; Jurangmangu Subdistrict, South Tangerang City; and Tegallega Subdistrict, Bogor City, with a total of 31 members.
Through these groups, women waste pickers now have improved access to savings mechanisms and loan facilities, with terms and conditions collectively agreed upon by members. Ongoing mentoring in financial management and group business development will further support the improvement of household economic wellbeing.
Exchange Ideas, Build Action: GEN In-Person Strengthens Protection for Women Workers from Climate Change Impacts
A total of 17 participants from nine companies that are part of Gather Exchange Navigate (GEN), representing Banten, DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java, took part in the GEN In-Person: Strengthening GBV Prevention and Climate Resilience in the Garment Industry, held Friday–Sunday (6–8 February) at Hotel Oria, Jakarta. The activity served as a collaborative space for companies to exchange ideas and share good practices in preventing gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace while responding to climate change impacts—such as providing vitamin subsidies for women workers to help maintain immunity and improving factory air circulation. During the sessions, participants co-developed roadmaps for GBV prevention and response as well as climate action measures oriented toward worker well-being and business sustainability. The event concluded with a public action through the distribution of free seedlings and plants to the community during Car Free Day in the Sudirman–Thamrin area, Jakarta. As a follow-up, GEN members also agreed to hold weekly online meetings as an ongoing space for evaluation and discussion.
The event featured actress Agni Pratistha, who delivered a session on transforming waste into value-added products and highlighted the importance of public engagement in addressing climate change. Additional speakers included Priadi Santosa from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA), Franky Zamzani from the Ministry of Environment, and Yenny Anggraeni from the Ministry of Manpower. They shared cross-ministerial perspectives on strengthening policies for women’s protection, preventing GBV, and integrating gender perspectives into climate change responses and sustainable workplace practices.
Women and Youth Empowerment Enhance Resilience in Six Villages in Sigi District
Collaborative works to build peace and strengthen community resilience, including among women and youth, were implemented by CARE Indonesia in collaboration with KARSA Institute, support from UN Women and funding from KOICA, across Ngatabaru, Pombewe, Pesaku, Rarampadende, Wisolo, and Ramba villages in Sigi District.
The establishment of Women-led Economic Business Groups (KUEP), have successfully strengthened women’s roles and leadership at the village level while contributing to increased household incomes. Moreover, the strengthening of cross-village youth networks has positioned young people as key peacebuilders, playing an active role in preventing conflict and promoting sustainable peace within their communities.
Supporting Safe and Inclusive Workplaces Through the Implementation of HRDD and GRDD in Companies
20 management representatives from PT Gunung Salak Sukabumi in Sukabumi District participated in a training on Gender Responsive Due Diligence (GRDD) and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) (19/01). With support from CARE Indonesia and its partners, company management gained a deeper understanding of how to apply gender-responsive and human rights principles within corporate policies and operations.
The training used interactive methods, including presentations, games, and case studies, to help participants understand the role of HRDD and GRDD in promoting worker empowerment, including women workers, creating safe workplaces free from gender-based violence, and supporting business sustainability. Following the training, management committed to developing follow-up action plans to strengthen the integration of HRDD and GRDD into company policies and practices.
Notes from the field: A learning journey from Musi Banyuasin to Java to scale up women-led small business
In Musi Banyuasin District, woven handicrafts made from oil palm midribs have become one of the region’s flagship products and are now included in the local government’s electronic procurement catalog. The women artisans producing these woven products come from several villages and are members of Women-led Economic Business Groups (Kelompok Usaha Ekonomi Perempuan/KUEP).
Iswandi Gunata, CARE Indonesia’s Field Officer in Musi Banyuasin District, explained that palm fronds weaving was selected as the primary livelihood activity for many KUEP groups due to the easy availability of raw materials. The midribs are sourced from unused oil palm fronds, helping to manage agricultural waste that would otherwise accumulate in plantation areas, while being transformed into artistic products with economic value that are highly sought after by buyers.
Beyond developing small-business from palm frond waste, Iswandi shared that some KUEP members have also taken the initiative to utilize other forms of waste, such as empty fruit bunches for straw mushroom cultivation, as well as Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot cultivation to process household organic waste. According to Iswandi, the strong enthusiasm of KUEP members to develop environmentally friendly small-business based on circular economy principles has received support and appreciation from various stakeholders, including oil palm plantation company PT Hindoli and the Musi Banyuasin District Government.
“Waste management not only has environmental benefits, but can also become a source of livelihood for women’s groups. This is what we hope will continue to receive support and collaboration from multiple stakeholders, including the local government and PT Hindoli, which has consistently supported women’s empowerment,” he said.
Iswandi further explained that the significant potential for developing handicraft small-business and circular economy–based waste management initiatives by KUEP has strengthened multi-stakeholder support. This led to the implementation of learning visits and training aimed not only at enhancing women’s groups capacities, but also at encouraging replication and sustainable scaling-up of these businesses.
In January 2026, a learning journey to two locations on Java Island was carried out. “The first learning visit was to the Maggot Center in Depok City. We received strong support from the Head of the Musi Banyuasin Environmental Agency, Oktarizal; the Regent’s Special Staff, Mualimin Pardi Dahlan; and the CSR Manager of PT Hindoli to directly observe how circular economy principles are applied at this maggot center,” Iswandi explained.
Positive responses were expressed by both representatives of the Musi Banyuasin District Government and the corporations. According to Iswandi, witnessing firsthand how the Maggot Center, working in collaboration with the Beji Timur Sub-district Government successfully engaged communities in organic waste management provided new perspectives for participants in the learning visit.
“The learning experience in Depok broadened our perspective that waste management is not only about environmental protection, but can also become a livelihood source for women’s groups. This learning will be jointly reflected upon across sectors and strengthens our confidence that collaborative efforts among stakeholders can be more integrated, ultimately leading to improved community livelihoods, particularly for women. One KUEP member in Musi Banyuasin has already initiated maggot cultivation, but it has not yet been fully integrated. Moving forward, we hope to see broader multi-stakeholder support to scale this maggot farming initiative, linking it with nutrition gardens and livestock activities managed by communities, including women.” he added.
The second learning journey, Iswandi shared, was equally inspiring—accompanying 10 women palm frond weavers from five villages to Kulon Progo District. The women artisans came from Karya Maju, Sumber Agung, and Cipta Praja villages in Keluang Sub-district, as well as Banjar Jaya and Sri Mulyo villages in Tungkal Jaya Sub-district.
According to Iswandi, the women artisans showed remarkable enthusiasm and determination. They displayed no hesitation about flying across islands, driven by their desire to improve the quality and variety of woven products they have long produced, and to reach broader markets.
“This was a moment we had truly been waiting for. I saw how enthusiastic the women artisans were in following every instruction and how meticulous they were during practice sessions. There, we observed a wide range of woven products using various base materials such as rattan, banana stem fiber, pandan leaves, and water hyacinth,” he recalled.
Iswandi noted that the enthusiasm of KUEP women artisans remained consistently high throughout every training session. As their fingers skillfully interlaced materials into intricate patterns, creating beautiful handicrafts, smiles and laughter filled the room—adding energy and warmth to the practice sessions.
“I closely observed how serious these women were about learning. Throughout the training, they never complained; instead, they were always curious about what they would learn next. The goal was not only to sharpen their technical skills, but also to strengthen their confidence to continue creating,” he said.
Before they realized it, the five-day learning journey in Kulon Progo came to an end, and the group returned to Musi Banyuasin. Iswandi explained that following the training, KUEP women artisans will begin producing woven crafts that combine palm midribs with rattan, banana stem fiber, pandan leaves, and water hyacinth.
This learning journey not only enhanced technical knowledge, but also inspired participants to scale up existing good practices in their villages, making women-led initiatives more impactful and far-reaching.
“When women are given space, skills, and support, they are able to create change and generate positive economic impact. With multi-stakeholder support and the persistence of women’s groups, environmentally friendly small-business based on circular economy principles can become sustainable. For me, this process is not only about the final products, but about how women learn from one another, support one another, and build collective economic independence within a supportive ecosystem,” Iswandi concluded.
Writer: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika
