The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) continously promote efforts to economically empower the fisherwomen in Kaimana Regency. One of those concrete initiatives is a sewing training organized by the Kaimana Fisheries Service in collaboration with the KKP. This program is part of the business diversification initiatives for fisherwomen and is supported by GEF 6 grant funding through CFI Indonesia.

The training took place over four days, from March 19 to 22, 2025, at the Meeting Hall of the Kaimana Fisheries Service. It was attended by seven fisherwomen groups—Dharma Wanita, Marsi, Lahasani, Imanuel, Namtota, Bofuwer, and Tawera—bringing together a total of 25 participants. During the training, participants were taught to sew tote bags, hats, and clothing as a form of business innovation aimed at increasing their household income.

This initiative received strong attention from the local government, which was marked by the attendance of Kaimana Regent Drs. Hasan Achmad, M.Si, who officially opened the training. In his speech, Regent Hasan praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of business diversification for fisherwomen to improve their family welfare.

“I hope this activity will have a significant impact—not only at the household level but also across hamlets and even the district. The Regional Government is ready to support empowerment programs like this in Kaimana,” the Regent stated.

The Kaimana Regent also expressed his hope that the training would help boost household income and create new business opportunities for fisherwomen. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between local governments and international partners in creating sustainable and impactful programs.

Similar appreciation was conveyed by Dr. Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of CFI Indonesia, who attended the event. He highlighted the high spirit and enthusiasm of the participants throughout the training. “We are very impressed with the dedication of these women. We want to ensure that the skills acquired from this training can truly be applied in their daily lives, both for household needs and as a source of additional income,” he said.

CFI Indonesia is also committed to supporting the sustainability of the program by providing materials and equipment needed by the participant groups.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Kaimana Fisheries Service emphasized that support from CFI Indonesia through the GEF 6 grant has provided significant benefits to coastal communities. “This is not the first time CFI Indonesia has assisted the people of Kaimana. Since 2022, their programs have supported our fishers, both male and female, in various aspects, including economic welfare and skills enhancement,” he explained.

This training serves as a concrete step in empowering fisherwomen to become more economically independent. With the skills they’ve gained, it is hoped that their sewing-based businesses can grow and become new sources of income for coastal communities. The Kaimana Regency Government and CFI Indonesia will continue to work together to develop sustainable programs for the well-being of the community and more inclusive regional development.

Thanks to this training, participants now have new skills that not only benefit their families but also hold the potential to create business opportunities within their communities. Collaboration between local government, supporting organizations, and the community is expected to further strengthen the economic resilience of fisherwomen in Kaimana Regency.