Inisiatif Pemberdayaan Perempuan: Pelatihan Empek-Empek Sebagai Sarana Meningkatkan Pendapatan Keluarga Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Lhokseumawe

Abstract

The training on making empek-empek which was held at the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Lhokseumawe on October 25 and 28, 2024 aims to empower women, especially housewives, to be able to increase family income through traditional food businesses. This activity was carried out to provide practical skills, expand insight into business opportunities, and increase participants' confidence in starting a home business. The training lasted for two days at the Dharma Wanita Persatuan IAIN Lhokseumawe Hall, involving 30 participants consisting of members of Dharma Wanita IAIN Lhokseumawe. The implementation method includes theory and practice. The first day focused on the socialization of the training on the theory of making empek-empek, while the second day of the training on the implementation of practical activities and the selection of materials for making empek-empek as well as discussing marketing strategies. The results of the training showed that the participants successfully understood and practiced making empek-empek with good quality. In addition, participants gained new insights into attractive packaging and simple marketing, including the use of social media. The motivation of participants to start a home business also increased significantly. However, this training faced obstacles, such as limited time for deepening the material and differences in participants' level of understanding. Therefore, it is recommended to hold advanced training that covers aspects of business management, digital marketing, and cooperation with other parties to support access to business capital. Overall, this training is an effective first step in supporting women's empowerment to improve the family economy through traditional food businesses, especially empek-empek. This is expected to have a long-term positive impact on the welfare of the participants' families.