DWP UNAND Supports SDG 8 and SDG 17 through Ramadan Bazaar to Strengthen Community Economy

Padang, March 3, 2026 — Dharma Wanita Persatuan Universitas Andalas, known as DWP UNAND, in collaboration with the Campus Ramadan Committee, held a Ramadan Bazaar and Islamic Study Program at the Universitas Andalas Auditorium from March 2 to 6, 2026.

The activity was organized as a form of campus concern amid the post-disaster recovery situation. More than a marketplace for Ramadan needs, the bazaar became a space for micro, small, and medium enterprises to recover, reconnect with consumers, and strengthen their economic resilience. A total of 50 MSME participants joined the event, consisting of business actors from within UNAND and outside the campus, including those affected by the disaster in the Daerah Baru Busuak area.

Chairperson of DWP UNAND, Dr. dr. Laila Isrona, said the activity reflected the spirit of togetherness between the university, students, and the wider community. She explained that the bazaar did not only involve community-based MSMEs, but also students who were developing their own businesses. The Ramadan moment, she added, served as a reminder to share, care for others, and strengthen social solidarity.

To enrich the program, the committee also presented daily educational and inspirational activities, including beauty class and business class. These sessions were expected to strengthen entrepreneurial motivation while providing practical skills for participants, particularly students and MSME actors.

UNAND Secretary, Aidinil Zetra, appreciated the implementation of the Ramadan Bazaar as a concrete contribution from the university to support community economic recovery. He stated that the activity was especially meaningful for MSME actors who were still working to rise again after the disaster. In the spirit of Ramadan, he also emphasized that economic activities should go hand in hand with charity and social concern.

Through the Ramadan Bazaar and Islamic Study Program, UNAND continues to strengthen its role as part of the community. The initiative shows that the university’s contribution is not limited to education, but also includes efforts to build solidarity, expand care for others, and support local economic empowerment during the holy month of Ramadan.

This program supports SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing space for MSMEs, including disaster-affected business actors, to promote their products, recover economically, and build stronger entrepreneurial capacity. The involvement of students who are starting businesses also reflects UNAND’s support for youth entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.

The activity also aligns with SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals because it was implemented through collaboration between DWP UNAND, the Campus Ramadan Committee, students, MSME actors, and the wider community. Through this partnership, the Ramadan Bazaar became a shared platform for social solidarity, economic recovery, and community empowerment.