The poverty rate in Indonesia has been steadily declining since 1999, with rates down to approximately 8.57% as of mid-2024. Women, however, continue to experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment and vulnerable employment than men. Many groups are working to combat this disparity. Here are organizations supporting women’s economic development in Indonesia.

Women’s Economic Development in Indonesia

• Women and Youth Development Institute of Indonesia: Women and Youth Development Institute of Indonesia (WYDII) aims to empower youth and women. WYDII initiatives have directly supported approximately 100,000 people in the past decade. WYDII promotes women’s economic growth through networking and political and digital literacy training. The institute uses tools such as information and communications technologies to promote community leadership and reduce poverty among women and youth.
• Women-Headed Household Empowerment Program (PEKKA): PEKKA is a grassroots program that helps women heads of households improve their livelihoods and access resources for economic development in rural Indonesia. This initiative helps women and other marginalized groups gain access to critical legal, social and economic services.
• Wahid Foundation: The Wahid Foundation combats poverty in Indonesia by supporting grassroots women’s groups. The foundation partnered with U.N. Women to create the Peace Village Initiative, a woman-led project that combats poverty and supports the development of resilient communities. The initiative constructs women-led groups and support efforts to promote community leadership and financial independence.

Cherie Blair Foundation for Women

Cherie Blair Foundation for Women supports women’s economic development globally. The foundation developed the Women Entrepreneurs Amplifying Ventures and Economies (WEAVE) project, enabling more than 12,000 Indonesian and Vietnamese women to develop entrepreneurial skills through mentorship, mobile learning and business administration training. It also created the Road to Growth business management training and the Road to Leadership advocacy and empowerment training.

In 2018, the foundation launched a business skills app called HerVenture, which has already helped more than 5,500 Indonesian women develop their businesses. The app offers business training on various topics and provides entrepreneurial support. The foundation partners with local organizations to help women entrepreneurs access economic support, mentorship and business training.

Though women continue to face higher rates of economic instability in Indonesia, organizations and programs like these are helping to bridge this gap. The economic situation of Indonesian women will continue to improve as more individuals achieve economic stability and prosperity.

– Melody Hubbard

Melody is based in Knoxville, TN, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr