EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH DECOUPAGE SKILLS AND LEGAL EDUCATION ABOUT CONSUMER PROTECTION IN CREATIVE ENTERPRISES

UMI lecturers through the Indonesian Muslim University Community Service Institute (LPkM UMI) have once again demonstrated their commitment to empowering women through implementing the Community Partnership Program (PKM) with the theme "Women's Empowerment through Decoupage Skills and Legal Education on Consumer Protection in Creative Businesses".

The activity, which was led by Hasnidar Syam, SE., M.Sc., Ak., CA from the FEB UMI accounting lecturer together with Tri Abriana Ma'ruf, SH., MH from the law lecturer, targeted the Padanglampe Village PKK Mothers group which has been the driving force for the village's creative businesses. This program is designed to increase partners' creativity, technical skills and legal insight so they are able to develop home businesses more independently and competitively.

The training focused on decoupage techniques, namely the art of decorating media such as used bottles and cans using patterned tissue to produce products that are aesthetic and of marketable value. The hands-on practice method makes it easier for participants to understand how this technique works, starting from material preparation, the process of attaching motifs, to finishing techniques using glue and varnish. The enthusiasm of the participants can be seen from the work which is starting to show good quality and is worthy of being developed as a creative business product. Utilizing household waste is also an added value because it supports the concept of an environmentally based creative economy.

Apart from practical skills, participants are provided with legal education regarding consumer protection in creative businesses. This material provides an understanding of the obligations of business actors, product safety standards, and the need for transparency in providing information to buyers. With better legal literacy, participants now understand the importance of running a business professionally and in accordance with regulations so as to increase consumer trust. This approach also helps MSMEs to be better prepared to face legal risks in business activities.

Overall, this PKM activity succeeded in having a real impact on the Padanglampe Village PKK group. Participants not only gain new skills, but also have the confidence to turn the results of their work into sustainable business opportunities. This program is the first step in establishing decoupage-based creative business groups in villages, as well as encouraging women's economic independence.

LPkM UMI hopes that this activity can be developed through further assistance such as digital marketing, product branding and business management so that people's creative potential continues to develop.