The Effectiveness of Women's Empowerment Through Rattan Weaving Entrepreneurship in Improving Access and Quality of Education in Cirebon

Abstract

Women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship has become an important strategy for improving family welfare while expanding access to education. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of women’s empowerment programs through rattan weaving entrepreneurship in Tegalwangi Village, Weru District, Cirebon Regency, and to examine their implications for improving access to and quality of education within artisans’ families. The study employs a qualitative approach using a case study method. Informants were selected purposively and included village officials, rattan business actors, and women artisans involved in the production process. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive analysis model developed by Matthew B. Miles and A. Michael Huberman, which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the women’s empowerment program through rattan weaving entrepreneurship is relatively effective in improving women artisans’ skills, economic participation, and income. Increased household income contributes to families’ ability to meet children’s educational needs, thereby potentially improving access to and quality of education at the household level. However, several challenges remain, including limited access to capital, insufficient institutional strengthening, and restricted support for product promotion and market expansion. Therefore, strengthening local economic institutions, policy support, and the development of broader marketing networks are necessary to enhance the sustainability of the program and its contribution to educational development in Cirebon Regency.