From September 6 to 8, 2024, Girls Can Lead held its transformative leadership camp in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), bringing together 30 young women aged 18-25 from across the region. This three-day event marked a powerful step forward in our mission to cultivate the next generation of female leaders in Indonesia.
The camp was thoughtfully designed to provide a unique blend of inspiration, practical skills, and community building, all set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Kupang. With a focus on leadership, gender equality, and local advocacy, the program featured a stellar lineup of speakers, interactive workshops, and collaborative activities, leaving a lasting impact on participants.
At the heart of the event were three extraordinary external speakers who brought invaluable expertise and inspiration to the camp. Aleta Kornelia Baun, an esteemed environmental and women’s activist, shared her journey of advocating for environmental sustainability and gender equality, emphasizing the critical role of women in protecting natural resources. Ansy Damaris Rihi Dara, S.H, a respected activist and lawyer, offered insights into navigating the legal and societal challenges faced by women leaders, encouraging participants to take bold steps toward creating equitable communities. Jesica Sonabella Sodakain, S.H, a passionate advocate for social justice, inspired the attendees with her commitment to advancing human rights and uplifting marginalized voices.
Complementing these distinguished speakers was Stella Nau, representing Girls Can Lead’s local partner, NTT Muda. Her workshop on storytelling and digital activism empowered participants to find and amplify their voices, ensuring they leave the camp equipped to inspire change in their communities.
Throughout the camp, participants engaged in hands-on workshops that combined theory and practice. A comprehensive session on project management enabled them to brainstorm and develop actionable community initiatives, fostering creativity and collaboration. Networking activities and group discussions helped participants forge meaningful connections, creating a supportive community of young women leaders committed to shared goals.
Beyond traditional workshops, the camp offered participants a chance to apply their learning through practical exercises. Working in groups, they developed social project ideas addressing pressing issues in their communities. These sessions honed their skills in project management, budgeting, and teamwork, culminating in presentations of their initiatives to a panel of judges.
To further motivate and empower the participants, Girls Can Lead provided seed funding to the best social project initiative, ensuring that impactful ideas could be brought to life. This hands-on approach not only refined the participants' skills but also sparked a tangible commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Among the standout initiatives was the BISIK (Bincang Asik Deng Nona) Community, developed by the winning group. This program focuses on leadership, diversity, and gender equality, providing a safe space for young women in Nusa Tenggara Timur to discuss and learn. With the tagline "Mari #bincangdengnona," their vision is to foster dialogue and empowerment among young women, ensuring their voices are heard and their potential is unlocked.
As a flagship program of Girls Can Lead, this camp exemplifies our vision of empowering young women to lead with confidence, purpose, and a commitment to creating a better world. By providing access to transformative experiences like this, we are building a nationwide network of women leaders ready to drive positive change.
The camp’s impact extended beyond skill-building; it was also a celebration of resilience and unity. The collaborative spirit of the participants, the guidance of experienced facilitators, and the inspiring stories shared by the speakers culminated in a powerful atmosphere of empowerment and hope.
Looking ahead, Girls Can Lead is committed to expanding these transformative camps to more regions across Indonesia, ensuring that more young women gain access to this unique opportunity.
We are deeply grateful to our speakers, partners, and facilitators for their dedication and support, and to the incredible young women who made the Kupang camp an unforgettable success. Together, we are shaping a future where women are at the forefront of leadership and innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates from Girls Can Lead as we continue to expand our programs and inspire leadership across Indonesia.
