TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT IN INDEPENDENT LIQUID DETERGENT SOAP MAKING FOR HOUSEHOLD SKILLS AND COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Abstract

Community empowerment through practical skill-based training has become an important strategy in improving household economic resilience and encouraging community independence. This community service activity aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial awareness of the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Mulyojati RT 11 RW 03, Metro Barat, through training in independent liquid detergent soap production. The activity was conducted from July to September 2025 using a participatory approach consisting of four stages: preliminary observation, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The implementation involved socialization, demonstrations, direct practice, mentoring, and evaluation of participant understanding. The results showed that participants experienced increased knowledge regarding detergent composition, production techniques, and household business opportunities. Participants were able to independently produce liquid detergent soap using affordable and easily accessible materials. In addition, the activity increased participants’ awareness of household financial efficiency and encouraged entrepreneurial motivation among women in the community. The training also strengthened collaboration between universities and local communities in implementing sustainable empowerment programs. This program demonstrates that skill-based community empowerment can become an effective strategy to improve economic productivity, foster creativity, and support sustainable household entrepreneurship.