Ashfa
What does life as a woman or girl look like in your part of the world? What roles do women play in your society?
We are still living out patriarchial roles. The most significant barrier to women empowerment and gender equality is other people’s judgment and psychological barriers.
OK, tell us all about yourself. Who are YOU & what should the world know about you?
I am a mother of one daughter. I run a boutique, I owe a cafe, and some other business units. Besides that, I am the CEO of a radio [station], and also I lecture at the Islamic College in my town.
Describe yourself in one word: "I am... a mompreneur
What are you most passionate about and what are you doing with that passion?
I think being a teacher and an entrepreneur are my passions. Actually, I’ve [done] a lot of things. Sometimes It's hard for me [to do so much], but somehow I love it, the opportunity of being anything in my life.
What are some of the most notable events (milestones) that have happened in your life to date?
I was elected as a leader of the girl's Islamic boarding school Caregivers and Female Preacher organization in Central Java (for the junior group).
What obstacles have you faced and overcome?
I had a lack of confidence because I've been bullied as a dissident woman. A few years ago, taking my master's degree was very rare in my world, and many judgments over women were thrown on [me] those years. Or maybe I was in the wrong environment.
Looking externally into the public sphere, what female public figure inspires you the most to achieve your dreams & why?
So many of them who inspire me. My mom, Mrs. Tuty Alawiyah, Mrs. Tutut Soeharto, Mother Theresa, and honestly, most of the Millenial female public figures - they all inspire me even though they are younger than me.
What's your definition of success?
When we are still alive, success won’t be achieved easily. More and more [people] desire to get it. Humans are always thirsty for anything. But perhaps when we die and people remember us as successful people who spread love, who always did something positive & good value. That's true success.
Have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?
Yes, many of them -my mom, my assistant, my close friends, my female cousins...
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be..."
Brave, as long as you are on the right path and always behave well to empower other women or to face everything, and put your good look in every situation, that fixes half your problem now. And spread love for world peace.
