Along with technological developments in the agricultural sector, women farmers need to improve their skills and knowledge to get the maximum benefit. Widya Erti Indonesia (WEI), an organization that focuses on education and community development, held a kick-off and socialization for Women Farmer Group’s Economic Empowerment Program in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau.
The event was held on August 4th, 2022 at MM Belilas Hotel and attended by several women farmers under the auspices of the Karya Serumpun Association. A total of 10 assisted groups with a total of 145 people registered as Women Farmer Group in Indragiri Hulu. This program is motivated by the worries of independent oil palm farmers over the vulnerability of their livelihoods and incomes. Through this program, women farmers can participate in supporting household income by creating alternative earnings.
Officially opened by the Head of Indragiri Hulu District Food Security Service, Ir. Hj. Isnidar, as the representative of the Regent of Indragiri Hulu, Rezita Meylani Yopi, SE, the Indragiri Hulu Regency Government, welcomed the socialization of the Women Farmer Group’s Economic Empowerment Program.
“With the assistance of Widya Erti Indonesia, we can embody the welfare of Women Farmer Group families, both in terms of improving family nutrition and increasing family income. I welcome Widya Erti Indonesia’s assistance in the economic empowerment program activities of 10 Women Farmer Groups that spread in Batang Gansal and Seberida sub-districts as an effort to improve living standards and produce productive economic businesses.” said Mrs. Ir. Hj. Isnidar in her speech.
The Women Farmer Group’s Economic Empowerment Program contains a series of training to increase the capacity and knowledge of women farmer group members; ranging from training on local product development and packaging, and digital marketing, to the preparation of funding proposals. One of the local facilitators of Indragiri Hulu Women Farmer Group, Lestari from Belimbing Batang Gansal Village, stated that this event was carried out to produce several local products. Until now, there are dozens of products made by women farmers and marketed through online media and several shops in Indragiri Hulu.
In addition to education related to economic empowerment, women farmers are also given material related to gender equality, including gender equality in the household and workplace, gender discrimination and how to respond to it, and gender mainstreaming as national development capital.
The event was closed with symbolic support from the Head of Indragiri Hulu Food Security Service, representing ranks of the Indragiri Hulu government sector to Widya Erti Indonesia, followed by the delivery of souvenirs and a group photo session.
