Citra Benazir
Hi! I am Citra Benazir, Founder of Tis The Lyfe.
I have a background in Diplomacy & International Relations. I am also a day-to-day writer. Currently, I have published two books. My hobbies are exploring the city I am in, museums, art galleries and of course, the culinary arts. In addition to Tis The Lyfe, I am the co-director of Hollaback Jakarta, a movement to end street harassment and I was nominated as the Best Volunteer in 2017.
I am also an active activist and volunteer in many movements and organizations, such as Alzheimer's Indonesia, Women's March Jakarta and Jakarta Feminist Discussion Group.
Organization Name: Tis The Lyfe
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Operating since: 2018
Organization Website: medium.com/@tisthelyfe
Organization Instagram & Twitter: @tis.thelyfe
Tell us all about your organization. What services do you offer?
Tis The Lyfe is a safe space for all volunteers. We’ve created an intersectional and inclusive space for every volunteer to, not only learn and share their knowledge and skills, but also to share stories, speak out, stand up and become empowered to act upon injustice and inequality. We also advocate volunteers’ rights to recruiters and the general public.
How did you get the idea or concept for your organization/company? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
I have been a volunteer ever since I could remember, it wasn't a foreign concept for me. Yet, when I got back home, I saw a toxic, profit-oriented business growing in the industry of volunteerism. I wanted to put an end to that and go back to the roots of volunteerism - practicing kindness and putting back sincerity in people's hearts. I was also being treated very badly as a volunteer, from sexual harassment to simply not being given any food while on duty for a whole day. It kept going on and to others. So there was a flaw in the system. The recruiters were stepping on their volunteers and the volunteers were afraid to speak their rights. I wanted to empower every volunteer and also educate any recruiters.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own organization?
Yes, I had always thought it would be something with my parents but it turns out that I am doing quite well without them - although their support is priceless.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your organization?
I never put the burden of being founder, leader and mentor because then it could get easily to my head. I treat everyone equally and have successfully created a knit of people who are open to sharing everything with each other. I have never treated people differently in the past, why start now?
What is the biggest obstacle or challenge you've had to overcome?
Currently, I have, to be honest, the financial challenges. I’ve never complained; I’ve never regretted creating my community. I knew it was my calling [but] living that hustle every day and balancing my needs and wants has definitely been a challenge.
What's your definition of success?
My definition of success is when my kindness can create a chain of kindness forwards. I don't see success as something in the future anymore because we only live once and time will run out. I don't like the fact of always chasing, every one of us are successes. Simply don't compare yourself to others, stay in your lane, know your purpose, practice it every day, and hope that at least one person is affected by you. One person can change the world.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
I would not have gotten here without the support of every woman around me, including myself. I rarely give credit to myself, but I know I am my biggest critic. Other women, the women on my team, my mother, my mentors have all played a role in building the bridges and opportunities I have today. Sisterhood is that powerful. I have always been the girl who had less female friends than male friends, I can proudly say that now I can call my female friends, sisters. I have also been given the blessings to have met and crossed paths with amazing ladies, my seniors, who have now become the Maya Angelou to my Oprah.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
We have big big plans, yet being a community in Jakarta, Indonesia without current financial support, only myself at the moment, I have to take my time and slowly but surely do things. We certainly have our main hopes, such as publishing a series of books, to have our own headquarters and centers all around the world. It'll take time but I know we'll get there.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Make sure what you are willing to start is truly something you are genuinely passionate about. Find your purpose. Find your calling. I know that can take a while, but once you've found it, the rest is herstory. You can do it!
Describe yourself in ONE word. Fierce
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." the greatest in history.