Medan \u2014 In commemoration of National Women\u2019s Day, Musim Mas has\nreaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive palm oil industry\nthrough women\u2019s empowerment and gender equality. Musim Mas believes that\nwomen play a crucial role in driving sustainability and industry\nadvancement. Consequently, the commitment to gender equality is viewed\nnot merely as a moral responsibility, but as part of the company\u2019s\nlong-term business strategy.<\/p>\n
This commitment has been implemented through various initiatives,\nincluding a Gender Committee and women\u2019s empowerment programmes. This\ncommitment has now been strengthened within Musim Mas\u2019s Sustainability\nRoadmap 2026\u20132030, where Gender Equity and Women Empowerment are among\nthe company\u2019s priority strategies.<\/p>\n
Through strengthening the Gender Committee at operational levels and\nthe Women Smallholders Programme (WSP) at community level, Musim Mas\ncontinues to promote the role and contribution of women throughout the\npalm oil supply chain, as part of efforts to create a sustainable and\ncompetitive industry.<\/p>\n
Gender Committee: Tangible Support for Women in the Workplace<\/p>\n
Since its establishment in 2008, the Gender Committee has been an\nimportant part of creating a safe, dignified, and inclusive work\nenvironment for all workers, particularly women, across all company\noperational units. At the operational level, the Gender Committee\nactively participates in protecting women and supports their strategic\nparticipation and contribution.<\/p>\n
Musim Mas has also collaborated with the independent organisation\nDIWA (Dignity in Work For All), a global non-profit organisation focused\non fulfilling workers\u2019 rights and dignity. Through various assessment\nactivities, focused group discussions with workers, and training for\nGender Committee members and workers in plantations and factories, this\nprogramme drives change that is not only structural, but also touches on\nmindsets and daily working culture.<\/p>\n
This initiative creates a safe space for women workers to voice their\naspirations and experiences, whilst strengthening mechanisms for\nhandling sensitive issues such as discrimination, gender-based violence\nand sexual harassment using a survivor-centred approach. The objective\nof this initiative is to increase understanding regarding gender\nequality, women\u2019s leadership, and the role of men as active supporters\nof gender equality in driving social change.<\/p>\n
For Musim Mas, women\u2019s empowerment is not merely a programme, but an\nintegral part of the company\u2019s sustainability strategy. Through the\nGender Committee, the company consistently promotes equal access and\nopportunities for women in various roles and leadership levels,\nrecognises women\u2019s dual role as workers and family members, and promotes\nsocial norm change through men\u2019s engagement in gender equality\ndialogue.<\/p>\n
Women Smallholders Programme: Strengthening Women in Plantation\nCommunities<\/p>\n
Beyond the operational level, Musim Mas has also expanded the impact\nof women\u2019s empowerment at community level through the Women Smallholders\nProgramme (WSP). This programme targets women farmers and farmers\u2019\nwives, with a focus on strengthening their social and economic capacity\nso they can contribute more significantly to their families, farming\nenterprises, and communities.<\/p>\n
The WSP is designed to address challenges faced by women in\nplantations through training in Family Nutrition and Health, Financial\nLiteracy, and Business Development Opportunities. In 2023, the first\nphase of WSP was implemented in three regencies in Riau, in\ncollaboration with academics from North Sumatra University and national\nfinancial institutions.<\/p>\n
Early implementation results have shown tangible impact. More than\n500 women participated in Family Nutrition and Health training with\nmonitoring of changes in health behaviours. A total of 574 women\nparticipated in Financial Literacy training to improve household\neconomic resilience, and three women\u2019s business groups were established\nthat received training and business mentoring in food staples provision.\nCurrently, these business groups are managing enterprises to provide\nfood staples for the community and nearby food stalls, with an average\nasset achievement of Rp 80 million per group.<\/p>\n
Prof.\u00a0Ir. Diana Chalil, M.Si., Ph.D., a lecturer in agribusiness at\nNorth Sumatra University involved in WSP mentoring, views this programme\nas a strategic step. \u201cSmallholder palm plantations are generally managed\nas family enterprises, where women play an important role, both as\nworkers and managers of household finances. Therefore, efforts to\nimprove the performance and sustainability of smallholder palm\nplantations must actively involve and empower women,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Moving Forward<\/p>\n
Musim Mas will continue to strengthen the capacity of the Gender\nCommittee, integrate learning into company management systems, and\nexpand the reach of the Women Smallholders Programme to various\nregions.<\/p>\n
With a collaborative and sustainable approach, Musim Mas is committed\nto ensuring that women are not only protected, but also given the space\nand opportunity to grow, have their views, contributions and roles\nrecognised, and become agents of change in realising an inclusive and\nsustainable palm oil industry.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/musim-mas-strengthens-womens-empowerment-for-operational-and-community-sustainability-1773034617", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }