Women at Risk: New Skills, New Opportunities

Women at Risk: New Skills, New Opportunities.

The Women’s Crisis Centre (WCC) Palembang, in partnership with a network of local women-led organisations, has been awarded Palladium Our Communities funding to launch a new initiative ‘Women at Risk: New Skills, New Opportunities’. The initiative seeks to design a pathway for women survivors of domestic violence to regain independence, restore dignity, and access lasting livelihood opportunities.

At the heart of the project is WCC’s safe-house, a critical sanctuary for women and children escaping violence. While in shelter, these women will participate in skills-building programs to learn how to manufacture and package reusable menstrual pads and household soaps, essential products that are environmentally friendly and in growing demand across South Sumatra.

Over the next 12 months, the team will launch production, deliver training, build business models, and explore new ways to expand the initiative. The market opportunity is large, with over 3 million women in South Sumatra of menstruating age, and the demand for affordable, sustainable hygiene products continues to grow.

Bank Sampah Kenanga - Waste Oil Soap Production

The expected impact is significant. Up to 240 women who access the WCC safe-house each year will have the opportunity to participate in the program, gaining confidence, income-generating skills, and peer support. The products they create will be distributed through retail and community networks to thousands of women across the province, helping generate revenue to support the ongoing operations of the safe-house. The initiative will also provide volunteer and employment opportunities for members of the partner organisations, many of whom are also from marginalised communities.

This initiative builds directly on the foundations of the DFAT-funded PERINTIS program, delivered by Palladium through the KIAT Infrastructure Facility since 2019. Many of the same staff and community partners involved in PERINTIS are coming together once again, bringing years of experience, trusted relationships and a deep understanding of local needs.

Kyeema and Palladium are proud to support this work through the Our Communities Fund. We look forward to sharing more stories of resilience and innovation from Palembang in the months ahead.

Women at Risk: New Skills, New Opportunities.

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