The women in Bali need no empowerment lessons. They were empowered before this word was coined. 
The word "empower" had been hanging around for quite some time, like since the 17th century. In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton had tea with four friends and questioned, "How the republic would benefit with women playing more active roles in society?" This chit-chat become the impetus of a "revolution." Well actually not quite a rioting revolution, but the first public meeting for gender equality.
I believe the Balinese men are just as hard working. But, when I moved around the streets of Bali I marveled at the ladies. Dressed in their kamben (similar to the sarong), kebaya blouse very often in lace and sometimes with a waist sash (sabuk), they moved so effortlessly with their daily chores.
Whether carrying prayer offerings for an "upacara" (ceremony),
beginning the daily morning offerings,
carrying impossible loads on their heads or
amazingly riding side saddle. They are LADIES WITH SUCH GRACE and OMPH!
I caught some young ones at Sanur beach
in more comfortable (to me) wear.
When I returned home,
I walked with a book on my head (it couldn't be that hard)
and sat side-saddle on a motor bike like women also in Vietnam and India.
Alas, I failed miserably. The book fell off. I slid off the bike. OUCH!
I was born and bred a Malaysian,
NOT a gracious svelte Balinese lady.
Embrace DIVERSITY.
