In Papua, Indonesia, elderly women lack access to financial resources. Some also live alone as their kids no longer live with them. In such cases, many elderly women in Papua often fend for themselves and have to work beyond their limit. To resolve this problem, Papuan elderly women receive financial support to start a business with the government.
A recent initiative opted to change this by providing financial support to elderly women to start their businesses. Hence, they can provide for themselves even after they no longer have a provider in their houses.
West Papua DPR member Syamsudin Seknan was the one who started the initiative. The aim is to empower women in Papua through education and women entrepreneurship.
He found that elderly women in the region were particularly neglected and often faced financial insecurity. To help them to be more independent, Syamsudin released a program that provides elderly women with financial fund support to start small businesses.
The program provides each woman with a grant of IDR 2,5 million (approximately 150 USD) to start their business. Moreover, the total number of recipients of this financial support is 77 women, with IDR 193 million in funds. In addition, the program provides training and mentorship to help women develop their business skills and improve their chances of success.
The program has already significantly impacted the lives of elderly women in Papua. Many of them have started businesses in processing areca nuts. Having this business not only provides women with a better source of income but also contributes to improving the economic condition in Papua.
As more elderly women open businesses, they create more jobs and stimulate economic activity.
The Obstacle in Distributing The Support
It was initially hard to distribute the support since the regions lack access. The government must also collect data to ensure the support meets the right beneficiary.
Moreover, areca nut businesses often are in solitary areas. It becomes difficult for some women to need special training and more thorough explanations about the entrepreneurship program.
Another problem that elderly women face during their business is the difficult market. They need some kilometers away to reach just to sell their areca nuts. They need better access and better promotion to reach a wider audience. Hence, the capital is not the only problem they must face.
Progress of The Program
The challenges are quite many and may be one of the biggest struggles the government needs to overcome. However, it is all without being in vain.
With that being said, it is still a successful Papua fund program. The government put special care into distributing even to the most remote areas. In addition to the support, it is meant to stimulate a competitive spirit among elderly women.
The program also has a positive impact on the wider community. By supporting elderly women to start their businesses, the program helps to challenge traditional gender roles and promote women’s empowerment.
In addition, the program highlights the need for greater support for elderly women in the region. Many women face social and cultural barriers. That makes it difficult for them to participate fully in economic and social life.
Overall, Papuan elderly women receiving financial support to start a business is a powerful example. One that shows how small interventions can have a big impact on the lives of marginalized communities. Providing financial support and training to elderly women, it enables them to stand on their own. They also help the communities in general.
