Poverty And Stunting Rates In Central Java Keep Falling, Ganjar Focuss On Empowering Women

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has succeeded in expanding the implementation of the Women's Economic Productivity Improvement Program (PPEP) for vulnerable women in villages.

In 2022, Ganjar succeeded in making 1,701 villages spread over 35 districts/cities to implement PPEP. In fact, in 2019, only three villages in three districts received the program. PPEP is part of the implementation of the School of Women's Smart School program. Now or abbreviated Kartini'.

"The PPEP program includes technical assistance according to the potential, wisdom, and needs of the local community so that women are vulnerable to learning about entrepreneurial pioneering skills," said Ganjar in his statement, Wednesday, February 22.

Ganjar explained that vulnerable group women are not pure MSME actors. But portraits of the lower class of people who are heads of families, COVID-19 survivors, victims of violence, disaster victims, people with disabilities. Then, groups of homeless beggars and abandoned people (PGOT), even categories with HIV/AIDS or ODHA.

Ganjar said various entrepreneurial training for women is also an effort to reduce tengkes (stunting) in Central Java. Ganjar massively reduced stunting rates ( growth disorders in children due to chronic nutrition) in Central Java with innovations Cetting Ketan which is an acronym from Preventing Stunting in Vulnerable Groups.

"The way is with various trainings to become entrepreneurs to be more empowered and the nutritional needs are fulfilled," he said.

Data on electronic applications-Recording and Reporting Community-Based Nutrition (e-PPGBM) shows a significant decline in Central Java. In 2022 it reached 11.95 percent or decreased compared to 2018 which touched 24.4 percent. This also made Central Java get appreciation from the BKKBN.

Furthermore, Ganjar said there was also a cross-sector collaboration movement to prevent and overcome the tengkes number in Central Java which began with the identification process for vulnerable women in districts/cities.

In addition, the management of KB regional apparatus, Social Service and Health Service synergize to provide free KB services to target vulnerable groups including PGOT and ODGJ risks unwanted pregnancy, according to the family's approval.

Ganjar emphasized that so far his party has prioritized vulnerable women, children, and disabilities in regional development and development efforts, including in decision making.

The head of the Women's Network for Small Business in Wonosobo Regency as well as PPEP assistant Nuke Maya Kurniningsih admitted that the PPEP program driven by the Central Java Provincial Government was massively successful in making women in the village more empowered and independent.

Currently, there are around 1,500 vulnerable women from 12 urban villages and 16 villages from 15 sub-districts fostered by his party.

"They are no longer just housewives who stand by, but productive women who produce training products, are smart in managing marketing management, and can manage PIRT (house industries) when creating a home industry," said Nuke.