A new initiative is supporting 100 Balinese women weavers and weaving entrepreneurs to strengthen their livelihoods while safeguarding centuries-old cultural traditions, through digital skills training, delivered in partnership with Griffith University.
The traditional Balinese craft of Endek and Songket, is a labour-intensive profession which is increasingly abandoned because market prices rarely reflect the true value of the time, skill and cultural knowledge embedded in the craft.
The Digital Empowerment Training for Women-led Weaving Businesses program was developed in response to priorities identified by women-led weaving enterprises, and focused on digital marketing, social media storytelling and emerging technologies.
Associate Professor Elaine Yang from the Department of Tourism and Marketing said the initiative recognised both the economic and cultural dimensions of traditional weaving.
"Balinese weaving carries deep cultural meaning, but it also needs to provide a viable livelihood," Associate Professor Yang said.
"The training supported weavers to share the stories behind their work, connect with contemporary markets and build long-term sustainability while maintaining cultural identity.
"The program worked alongside women weavers as they explored how digital tools, including artificial intelligence, can amplify the visibility and understanding of their textiles, while reinforcing their role as custodians of intergenerational knowledge.
"Balinese weaving is predominantly driven by women, and strengthening digital confidence supports individual enterprises and the wider communities and traditions they sustain."
The Digital Empowerment Training for Women-led Weaving Businesses initiative was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and delivered by Bali Tourism Polytechnic in partnership with Griffith University.
