The limitless potential of girl entrepreneurs
Starting her first business with friends while at school, Ningsi is now studying business management at university and encouraging other girls to become entrepreneurs and financially independent.
A passionate advocate for girls’ and women’s rights, power and leadership, Ningsi, 20, says she wants to see a world where all girls and women can reach their full potential and have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. “Once we realise our potential, we should not let others steer us, we should drive ourselves,” she says.
Ningsi, who moved to Jakarta to pursue her dream of going to university, is studying Business Management and has had the opportunity to take part in other learning activities to develop her skills in leadership, advocacy, public speaking and advanced English.
Using entrepreneurship to challenge gender norms
As her confidence grows, she wants to become a successful business leader in her community and an advocate for change. “What inspires me is that I can do business better and share new knowledge about entrepreneurship with other girls. My mother is a single parent and she raised me in the traditional way, just like all the women in our community.”
Gender norms in Indonesia are deeply rooted in tradition and religion, and dictate that men are the breadwinners and women the nurturers. However, women are increasingly working outside the home and contributing to the family income, something Ningsi is keen to encourage.
“My mother had me when she was still a teenager and it stopped her from getting an education because she had to take care of me and my grandparents,” Ningsi explains. “Now my mother is proud of me because she sees that dreams can come true every time she looks at me.”
“I have gained a sense of empowerment by running a small business with my friends.”
Ningsi
Now she wants to inspire other girls and show them that the road to success is achievable. “Lack of confidence can be a challenge for girls to overcome. Sometimes we don’t even trust ourselves because of the way others judge us, but we can do better,” she says.
Starting her own business
Ningsi’s entrepreneurial spirit developed early, and she and her friends started their first small business while she was still at school. “We use traditional materials that are sold in our community to make clutches and bags, which are very popular among young people and adults. Our business is doing well and we are proud of ourselves because we are able to earn a small income using our business management skills.”
Determined to lead by example and encourage other girls in her community to become entrepreneurs, Ningsi wants to see all girls and women become financially independent so they can support themselves and their families.
“I feel my voice is valued and heard. I have gained a sense of empowerment by running a small business with my friends. This has helped us to take control of our lives, stand up for our rights and build a business for ourselves.”
From a small community in Indonesia, Ningsi has a long history with Plan International, having joined our sponsorship programme at a young age. She later received a scholarship from the organisation as part of a partnership with IPMI International Business School in Jakarta to help girls from marginalised communities pursue a university education.
Skills and work, Youth empowerment, girls' leadership, Livelihoods
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