Meeting of the Mutually Empowering Mekar Sari Group Members

 The provision of assistance for women's groups is one of the Wahid Foundation's efforts to realize Peace Villages in a sustainable manner. Women’s groups were formed in each of nine assisted villages/kelurahans so that the members can be empowered and can mutually strengthen each other.

Each group routinely holds a meeting to review the training and skills they have performed. The Mekar Sari group is one of the groups assisted by the Wahid Foundation in Nglinggi Village, Central Java, which intensively organizes meetings for their mutual improvement.

Mekar Sari Group, which was established in 2017, organizes its monthly meeting in the second week on the 15^th. One of their activities is making products ranging from various herbal drinks and catfish floss.

The market of Mekar Sari Group's products has penetrated to Bengkulu and there is also a demand in Makassar. Not only expanding to other areas, Mekar Sari's confectionary products are also stored at small shops.

"The vocational training provided by the Wahid Foundation is very useful to empower groups of women to become independent and have economic resilience," explained Eni Pokoh, Treasurer of the Mekar Sari Group.

But according to Eni Pokoh, the most memorable and constructive in terms of personal development are Gus Dur's 9 values of peace, which, according to Eni, are very inspiring and provide a true understanding of Islam and peace.

"Women play an important role in peace-building. This is something that is important to always be remembered and understood by women. We play a role in making a difference. This is the message that is always conveyed by the Wahid Foundation," Eni concluded.

By: Ester Pandiangan