Kartini day is a celebration to one of Indonesian heroes, Raden Ajeng Kartini, who fought for emancipation so that women have equal rights. On April 21, we celebrate with Kartini’s spirit that inspires generations of Indonesian women to be unrestrained in achieving their dreams.
In the Instellar and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator (I-SEA) program, several social enterprises are led by tough women who bring positive impact to society and the environment. We invited these women leaders to share their journeys and challenges of women in impacting society through their social enterprises.
Women as Pioneers of Change
The women’s empowerment movement continues to grow, and women today play an important part as catalyst of change. As leaders in social enterprises, women have a strong determination to advocate for inclusivity in building an equitable community. For example, Andri Setyowati, Founder of Nichoa Chocolate started her business to introduce the concept of functional snacks for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Over time, Nichoa Chocolate has grown into a social enterprise that contributes to the welfare of chocolate farmers.
By building a business that is oriented towards profit and social impact, Dewa Ayu Nyoman Octalia Stefani, CEO of Rezycology, wants to provide long-term career stability to waste pickers and collectors. This is done by providing a steady income, professional insurance, and opportunities to learn and grow in the field of waste management. This approach not only benefits these communities, but also contributes to a more sustainable and responsible waste management system in Indonesia.
Barriers Faced by Women Leaders
Although women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, they still face their own struggles, one of which is the difficulty in balancing family and work responsibilities. As Jane Dunlop, Co-Founder and CEO of Aluan, tells us, raising children while running a business can be very challenging. Jane finds it challenging to juggle her time at work while focusing on raising her children. However, Jane sees the silver lining as she has made the right decision, especially for her family, and has no regrets.
Additionally, gender stereotypes can also be a barrier. However, Margareta Astaman and Swasti Adicita Karim, Co-Founders of Java Fresh, provide an example of an effective approach by de-emphasizing gender differences and focusing on leadership capabilities, the female leader managed to build team trust and prove her capabilities. This approach shows that women can be successful leaders regardless of what others think.
Women Leaders and Community Drivers
Women play an important role in the community and their leadership can have a positive impact. As Yosefin Rosalia Wijaya, Founder of Pepper Secret, shows their commitment to women empowerment. They employ women in their head office and local women farmers, and implement a balanced recruitment strategy to ensure equal representation of women at operational and managerial levels. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees, especially women.
Java Fresh also voiced the importance of the role of women. Margareta and Swasti emphasized that women today have the same opportunities as men to obtain education and employment. According to them, women must dare to pursue their dreams and not let gender boundaries stand in their way. Swasti also gave valuable advice for young mothers to not hesitate to ask for and receive support from their surroundings in running a business and raising children. By working together, women can become successful leaders and contribute to the progress of the community.
Women’s leadership in I-SEA is clear evidence that they are capable of bringing positive change and inspiring the next generation. Kartini’s spirit of creating opportunities for women is in line with I-SEA’s passion to build an inclusive world and embrace vulnerable and marginalized communities. With this spirit, we create an environment that is fair and full of opportunities for all to thrive and achieve their dreams.