This International Women's Day on March 8, Marriott Business Council Bali, under the helm of Marriott International in Indonesia, is proud to present an initiative to support and empower single mothers in Bali through an inspiring program by Women in Leadership (WIL) Bali. In collaboration with the Bali Department of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Service, Marriott International’s Portfolio of Hotels and Resorts across the island provided culinary skills training and support to single mothers, known locally as "PEKA" or "Perempuan Kepala Rumah Tangga".
The event, held at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, provided hands-on training in muffin baking, arming these single mothers with new skills that can lead to economic opportunities. Participants had the chance to learn baking techniques, recipe development, packaging, and strategies to market and sell homemade muffins from the talented Pastry Chef of Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Ungasan, Desak Putu Eka Apriana Dewi.
"We are honored to collaborate with the Social Department of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Service in Bali to make a difference in the lives of PEKA women on this International Women's Day," said Sitha Saraswati, Hotel Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort and Leader of Women in Leadership Bali. "By providing culinary skills and helping women achieve financial independence, we hope to empower single mothers and create positive change in Bali."
This initiative underscores Marriott International's holistic approach to embedding Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) across all aspects of its business, aligning with the company’s core value of “Putting People First”. Since its inception in 1999, the Women’s Leadership Development Initiative has been steadfast in its commitment to formalizing a comprehensive women’s agenda at Marriott and bringing together under one strategic umbrella activities that were previously isolated.
"We are grateful and honored to be the partner for this synergistic event, collaborating with Marriott Women in Leadership Bali in enhancing women’s empowerment based on the president’s direction. By empowering women to participate in the family economy, there is great hope for a prosperous family future,” said Dr. Drh. Luh Ayu Aryani, M.P the Chairwoman of the Bali Department of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Service.
Discover more of Marriott International’s initiatives of empowering communities through Serve360 at Serve360.marriott.com.