Women Ecopreneur Fest: Manifesting the Independence and Economic Resilience for Grassroots Women

Every year, Indonesia celebrates the Independence Day on August 17th. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder to the nation of the profound importance of freedom, symbolizing the elimination of colonial influences and the culmination of the nation's struggle for independence. From a cultural perspective, independence lays the groundwork for a new civilization, one acknowledged on equal terms in the realm of humanity. Nevertheless, numerous studies indicate that women continue to belong to vulnerable groups, frequently grappling with issues such as conflict and violence. Even in this era of emancipation, women are often perceived as subordinates, resulting in the denial of the same rights as men. Stereotypes often confine women to domestic roles.

As time progresses, more and more women are rising to prove their worth and strategic roles in the nation's progress through their intelligence and skills. Women have made significant contributions to the nation's resurgence and are inseparable from Indonesia's history. A pivotal moment in women's struggle for independence occurred during the First Indonesian Women's Congress, which took place on December 22, 1928, in Yogyakarta. This event marked a significant milestone in history.

Empowering women will strengthen the economy, politics, and education up to two times in a country, especially Indonesia. Because the number of women in Indonesia is the same as men (49.42% compared to 50.58%). Therefore, if women are empowered, intelligent, and self-reliant, it is almost certain that a nation's welfare will dramatically improve. 

Recognizing the strategic potential of women in contributing to the country's progress, the Women Ecopreneur Fest, the culmination of the Rural Climate And Economic Resilience (RuCLER) program by Women’s Earth Alliance in collaboration with the Pratisara Bumi Foundation, provides an opportunity to connect them with the business ecosystem beyond their regions. The aim is to support sustainable business growth through networking opportunities with potential partners, collaborators, and investors. Through business presentations, product exhibitions, and artisan workshops, this event also serves as a momentous celebration of Indonesia's 78th Independence Day, reminding society of the importance of empowering women and supporting the nation's independence through women's economic independence.

The Women Ecopreneur Fest comprises several sessions, including business pitching, offering women leaders the chance to present their business stories to attendees and participants. With various backgrounds, these local artisans strive to build economic resilience for women in their regions through traditional technologies that they continue to preserve. This session also motivates attendees, emphasizing that liberated women can empower themselves and impact many through their work. Through the Eco Market Day and two workshops on natural dyeing and banana stem weaving, directly guided by local artisans, attendees gain firsthand experience in seeing a product's economic value processed through patience, innovation, tradition, and storytelling in every material.

"This event showcased practical and tangible outcomes to support women’s economic empowerment here in Bali and beyond."

Anthea Griffin, Consul General of the Australian Government for Indonesia in Bali

This event featured nine local artisan communiteis spanning six provinces across Indonesia, from Aceh to East Nusa Tenggara. They have developed products and businesses through the skills and values of their local wisdom, resulting in high economic value while maintaining sustainable practices in every process. On Eco Market Day, their creations were enjoyed by both local and international visitors. These products span various fields, including environmentally friendly woven fabric products that empower local women weavers. They also utilize banana stems and pineapple fibers for creating household tools and clothing. In the food sector, there are products resulting from using durian seeds waste into flour, processed sorghum products to combating stunting and fostering holistic well-being, snack bars made from organic cocoa and quality local ingredients, and products sourced from the rich bounty of forest sugar palm and sweet potatoes, this effort serves as a pathway to diverse and sustainable livelihoods. 

"For the first time, leaving Aceh to go to Bali with the opportunity to showcase the products we have made, it's truly delightful. Our hope is that local artisans can advance further and be known worldwide." 

Ibu Saedah, local artisan 

Not only did the Market Day activities provide opportunities, but attendees also had the chance to participate in workshops, gaining new experiences and understanding the value of every crafting process from local artisans.

"This event has been extraordinary in providing me with inspiration, especially from the rural women who can provide economic resilience for many women in rural areas and through the workshops conducted. Hopefully, in the future, it will continue to develop to have a greater economic and social impact." 

WEF Participant

Through the Women Ecopreneur Fest, they will further their understanding of the landscape of women’s environmental leadership in Indonesia and will take on the challenge of sharing their work with the world to create a ripple effect of grassroots women’s environmental leadership. The participants will reflect on and learn from one another - finding opportunities for collaboration to increase the impact of what they do.

Written by: Putri Adnyaningsih - Campaign & Engagement Officer

Editor: Naila Madina - Comms Officer