Business Watch Indonesia and Paguyuban Tani Lestari held micropreneur business training for village women. This activity was held in October 2022 in Pekalongan and was attended by more than 40 women with various backgrounds.
This activity is motivated by the condition of women in tea-producing areas who have not been able to explore their potential to become the best version of themselves. In tea-producing villages which are generally difficult to access, the choice of work and capital is limited, so becoming a tea farmer or picker is considered the most rational choice. However, the income of tea growers and pickers is low, due to small landholdings, dependence on collectors, and price competition with imported tea.
Greater challenges are faced by women who live in areas that still hold patriarchal culture, where women are expected to stay at home and take care of the household. Whereas several conditions will require them to be economically independent and able to support their family, for example the husband/head of household is sick, the income of the husband/head of household is not enough. Meanwhile, with low education, limited experience and skills, it is difficult for women to enter formal work.
Through this training, Business Watch Indonesia and the Lestari Tani Association want to improve knowledge and skills regarding small-scale entrepreneurs (micropreneurs). Micropreneurs are not bound by certain working hours, so they suit the conditions of most women in the tea-producing region. With the right support and skills, becoming a micropreneur can be a stepping stone for village women to make themselves and their families prosperous.