Nani Zulminarni: Empowering Widows to be Independent

In 2016, Pekka began venturing to the non-formal education sector by establishing the Paradigta Academy. The basis of its foundation is the fact that more than 60 percent of Pekka members did not know how to read and write, and unable to create simple budgeting. This was regrettable because, according to Nani, women ideally should have huge involvement in village development. “I want Paradigta Academy to produce graduates who can think critically and contribute their thoughts and energies for village autonomies,” she remarked.

Two years since its establishment, Paradigta Academy is now available in 10 provinces including Aceh, Central Java, West Kalimantan, and Maluku. The mentors are Pekka cadres, and the students are women of all ages and diverse educational backgrounds—not limited to just widows, but all women who wish to play a role in empowering women and improving their villages. They learn together using Pekka-made modules containing subjects on gender equality, economic empowerment, female leadership, as well as law and health issues.

Nani said that the Paradigta Academy is an old dream of hers that has came true. Of course, she still has other dreams to fulfill. One of them is to create an app as a source of information about female household heads. “I want the app to serve as a tool that can shift gender construction,” she said.

Furthermore, Nani wants Pekka to expand its scope, reaching younger women—not just widows. “I’m old. I want young women to maintain and carry out Pekka’s mission.”

ISMA SAVITRI

(THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF TEMPO’S WOMEN PROJECT WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE EUROPEAN JOURNALISM CENTRE)

Read more inspiring Outreach stories in Tempo English Weekly News Magazine

• Sebelumnya
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5