In celebration of International Women's Day, we sat down with the team at Stella's Child - a nonprofit charity supporting Indonesian youth - and discussed the importance of empowering women through education.
As a female founded brand that strives to empower women by celebrating fierce femeninity, it is an honor to partner with Stella's Child and to continue to support the work they do.
“As we celebrate International Women's Day, could you share with us how education has played a crucial role in empowering women within the Stella's Child community?”
"Education serves as a catalyst for change, playing a crucial role in empowering women within the Stella's Child community. It brings about significant transformation by providing knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to break barriers. As an example, when women are given the opportunity to study in areas traditionally dominated by men, it not only challenges stereotypes but also opens up new opportunities. This shift underscores the importance of education for women in breaking limitations and the chains of poverty within their families."
- Tim, founder of Stella's Child
"Can you share a success story of a student who has benefited from Stella’s Child? How has it impacted their life?”
Ni Putu Eka Wahyuni
“I could not have realized my full potential if it were not for the life-changing programs offered by Stella’s Child. Through their programs, I realized that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. My family is so very proud of me, and I am pleased to now be a role model for my brother."
Education serves as a catalyst for change, playing a crucial role in empowering women within the Stella's Child community. It brings about significant transformation by providing knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to break barriers. As an example, when women are given the opportunity to study in areas traditionally dominated by men, it not only challenges stereotypes but also opens up new opportunities. This shift underscores the importance of education for women in breaking limitations and the chains of poverty within their families.
“In your experience, how does access to education contribute to breaking down barriers and empowering women, particularly in communities like those served by Stella's Child?”
Wati:
"Indonesia is among the most patriarchy nations in the world. It is a place where most people believe that men are the future for the family, that men are the ones that need to be taken care of, and the one that we as a women need to heard and honour. It is because of this that most Indonesian women grew up knowing that they have 3 roles as their obligation once they marry, a mother, a working parent, and carer of the ancestors. In most rural areas, due to the lack of access to better education these women lack knowledge and skills that leaves them unable to achieve gainful employment to fulfil their career roles.
Many women in Indonesia do not have the privilege to access to education because of the perception that it is not needed because, at the end of the day, they will become a housewife whose only responsibility is to take care of their husband and children. Luckily for me, I have had the privilege to access to education and I now realize we as a woman have the same potential as men."
“As a program graduate yourself, how did the fashion training courses offered by Flook Foundation contribute to your personal and professional growth?”
Arista:
"The fashion design program offered by FLOOK and Stella’s Child has taught me so many new things. Of particular importance was the lessons about branding, how brands develop and how/why it is important for the products to accurately represent the brand. I am hoping this program will continue, because I want to learn more about how to present and create my own brand!"
Listya:
"What I have learned so far from the Stella’s Child and FLOOK program is how we become an entrepreneur, including the characteristics of an entrepreneur, how to design and market products, and more! The program has motivated me to learn even more, especially more in-depth marketing techniques!"
“International Women's Day is about celebrating the achievements of women worldwide. Can you highlight some success stories of women within Stella's Child who have thrived through education and skills training?”
Our research shows that by age 16, most girls have given up on their dream jobs of business owners, CEO’s, doctors, nurses, and lawyers and instead reduce their dreams to becoming a cook, a housekeeper, or a waitress. With the guidance and support of successful men and woman working with us as mentors, these girls are taught to think big and our programs are all designed to keep them on a trajectory to success, whatever that looks like for them!
The list of women that have thrived through the Stella’s Child education and skills training programs is immense. Former graduates are working in fashion, finance, business operations, aviation, digital marketing, and several have started their own business.
To learn more about Stella's Child and the work they do for the youth of Indonesia, please visit
stellaschild.org