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Inviting Speakers and collaboration with communities, Girls Can Lead grew steadily, and also grew up with the participants, with their own journey and self development. As the time continues, Girls Can Lead reaches its 10th year, a tremendous milestone that shapes girls and women who participate in the program, but also for the women empowerment landscape in Indonesia.
Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, on March 7th, 2026, Girls Can Lead hosted its panel discussion “Soft Power, Strong Leadership: Youth Shaping Influence in the Digital Era. This event brings people together from various backgrounds, young leaders, professionals, and community leaders for dialogue and networking spaces on the evolving nature of leadership in today’s digital world.
Over the past ten years, Girls Can Lead has consistently created spaces for girls and women to grow and know themselves, and this event talks about leadership values and ways that are no longer confined to physical spaces, but deeply embedded in digital platforms and online ecosystems.
The event discussed how digital platforms have become part of everyday leadership. Today, people are not only expressing themselves online, but also organizing initiatives, educating their peers, and mobilizing communities in various digital platforms. Social media, messaging platforms, and online communities are becoming spaces where influence is built and leadership is practiced daily.
At the heart of the conversation, is a reflection on responsibility in the digital era. Having a digital voice where people can share their thoughts and opinions, also means taking ownership of what we share, ensuring it is thoughtful, accurate, and mindful of its impact. Speakers also emphasized the importance of self-awareness in navigating digital spaces. Participants were encouraged to develop discernment, asking whether what they share has been thoughtfully considered, or is simply a reaction to the moment.
The topics also became particularly relevant when discussing how easily miscommunication can occur online. As shared during the session, misunderstandings are inevitable, especially when tone and contexts are limited in digital interactions. Because of this, communication remains a key skill, specifically with empathy, observation and an understanding of different perspectives.
Beyond individual behaviour, the panel also highlighted the broader systems that shape digital influence. From the role of infrastructure to policy and governance, participants were reminded that influence does not always come from visibility or virality, but in building a positive personal branding in the long term. Rather than chasing trends or numbers, speakers encourage people to focus on building meaningful, trust-based relationships. In this sense, leadership becomes less about being seen, and more about being responsible for the spaces and communities we are part of.
A particularly meaningful moment during the event was the presence of Michelle Papilaya, a former Girls Can Lead participant who has now grown into a speaker. Her journey reflects the long-term impact of the program—demonstrating how Girls Can Lead not only inspires, but also nurtures leadership over time.
The event also saw many returning participants (both online and offline), creating a space filled with shared memories and reflections on how far they have come since their first involvement with the movement. This sense of continuity and growth highlights the fruitfulness of the Girls Can Lead community.
The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and reflect on their own experiences and roles in shaping digital spaces. These conversations create a space for shared reflections and networking among a community of young people, which navigate similar challenges and interests.
As Girls Can Lead continues its journey, this event stands as a reminder of Girls Can Lead’s commitment to staying relevant and responsive to the changing landscape of leadership in the digital era. By continuously evolving its programs, Girls Can Lead aims to equip young women with not only the skills, but also the awareness and responsibility needed to lead in today’s world.
