North Sumatra Provincial Government Strengthens Economic Recovery for Women Affected by Disasters

Medan (ANTARA) - The North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumut) continues to strengthen the economic recovery of women affected by disasters through the Tough and Independent Women Programme (Permata).

The Head of the Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning Office (DP3AKB) of North Sumatra Province, Dwi Endah Purwanti, stated that this programme is one of the priorities for this year.

“We hope this programme can position women affected by disasters as pioneers in family revival,” she said in Medan on Thursday.

The Permata programme, she added, focuses on training in hydroponic-based agriculture and vertical gardens for women living in permanent housing (huntap) in South Tapanuli Regency.

“We invite women in the huntap in South Tapanuli to farm so they can meet family needs and generate income, thereby helping them recover from disasters,” she said.

In addition, the North Sumatra Provincial Government provides psychosocial services for women and children affected by disasters, involving psychologists, literacy activists, community institutions, and related regional apparatus.

“Some have lost their husbands, others their parents. Therefore, we focus on providing these services to women and children in the South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, and Sibolga areas,” she said.

Besides that, the North Sumatra Provincial DP3AKB also distributes specific needs assistance for women and children, as well as ready-to-eat meals to 1,000 victims of floods and landslides in North Sumatra.

The office will also soon launch several youth women’s empowerment programmes, such as leadership talks targeting around 600 young women from university circles, practitioners, home industry actors, and strategic partners.

“We will also hold the Bella Award, an appreciation for women who have actively contributed to agriculture-based economic empowerment. This is a collaboration with the Asia Small Business Federation Indonesia,” Dwi Endah concluded.