Batik Wood and Stone Dakon Board Game from Java, "Dakon"

Diana's struggle is one that breaks our hearts. For years, she suffered physical, verbal, and psychological abuse from her husband. He refused to provide any financial support for her or her children for eight years of their marriage. Fearing for her life, Diana fled the house one day with only the clothes she was wearing. To this day, she fights to regain custody of her children in hopes that she can provide them a better life. Of her own pain, she says, "It doesn't matter how big or difficult the challenge is. What matters is how we take care of it, get up, and survive."

Diana creates contemporary home decor that is handcrafted from wood. They are decorated with a batik process that utilizes traditional tools and techniques such as canting. She learned this art from local artisans and has taught it to her assistants.

Before leaving her abusive marriage, Diana spent eight years as the sole provider for her family and also paid for her children's education through the sale of her wood crafts.

Novica shoppers account for a large percentage of Diana's sales and are critical to her survival as she works to rebuild her life and her workshop.

Diana is working with several women's groups and the authorities to have her children returned to her care. It is a daily struggle for her.

Diana Dewi left an abusive marriage. Her ex-husband then took her children and she has been struggling to have them returned to her care.

Diana Dewi has received 5 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $500 and the most recent for $1000.

Diana has workshop assistants who help to produce her unique range of wood batik designs.