Women Grow with PNM, Driving Family and Community Economies

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to revisit how women play a crucial role in driving the economy, not only within families but also in communities. In Indonesia, women’s contribution to the micro, small and medium enterprise (UMKM) sector is a foundational pillar for national economic growth. According to 2024 data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), around 64.5 percent of MSMEs in Indonesia are run by women, equating to more than 37 million women operating businesses across various sectors of the economy. MSMEs contribute about 61 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), demonstrating that small-scale economic activity led by women has a tangible impact on the economic stability of communities. One of the nation’s focused efforts on empowering women is through the PNM Mekaar programme (Membina Ekonomi Keluarga Sejahtera – Nurturing a Prosperous Family Economy), which has served more than 22.9 million underprivileged women to date. Through this programme, women gain access not only to financing but also sustained mentorship—from business training and capacity development to strengthening social networks among fellow customers. Such support not only boosts family economics but also fosters women’s leadership in their communities. A 2022 study by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) found that 71.86 percent of PNM Mekaar customers play a role in family decision-making, particularly concerning finances, children’s education, and other household needs. In customer meeting groups, women have even started taking roles as group chairpersons who lead and mobilise other members. This demonstrates that women’s empowerment expands not only business capabilities but also confidence among women to take on important roles in both family and community life. The commitment is mirrored in PNM’s financing approach. Currently, around 73 percent of PNM financing is Sharia-based, providing a more inclusive financing option for society. This approach has also earned recognition from Warta Ekonomi at the Indonesia Sharia and Halal Top Brand Awards 2026, where PNM received the Indonesia Best Sharia Business Unit of Financial Services 2026 with Inclusive Financing Scheme to Strengthen Economic Empowerment in the Sharia Business Unit of Financial Service category. PNM Corporate Secretary Dodot Patria Ary stated that women’s empowerment is a core part of PNM’s efforts to strengthen family economies. Women, he said, possess extraordinary resilience in sustaining family life while growing their businesses. “Through PNM Mekaar, we want to ensure they do not walk alone. Not only through access to financing, but also mentorship and learning spaces so their businesses grow and bring better prospects for their families,” he said in a statement on Sunday, 8 March 2026. Looking ahead, PNM will continue expanding access to empowerment for underprivileged women so more Indonesians have the opportunity to grow, strengthen their businesses, and contribute to the welfare of families and communities. Because behind many small enterprises that endure and grow today are women who choose to keep fighting, sustain hope, and push forward for their families’ futures.