Reports
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women-led Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises for International Trade Success
June 4, 2025
Women-led SMEs play a key role in Indonesia’s economy, especially in export sectors like textiles, food processing, and fashion. However, they face barriers such as limited access to finance, trade networks, and export knowledge. This report, based on insights from the 2024 Women-led SME Forum and a survey of 88 entrepreneurs, outlines these challenges and presents policy recommendations to support their growth. Proposed solutions include expanding trade finance, enhancing market access, offering flexible training, and supporting sustainable practices. Leveraging partnerships like IA-CEPA, Indonesia can create a more inclusive trade ecosystem and unlock the full potential of women-led SMEs.