Tolnaku: Nine years ago, Monika Edel Trudis Baranahat transitioned from Kupang City to Tolnaku Village, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, following her marriage. Her relocation exposed her to the entrenched gender norms that defined women's roles in her new community.
According to UN Women, Monika's involvement with the WE NEXUS project, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by UN Women in collaboration with Save the Children and CIS Timor, was instrumental in enhancing her leadership capabilities. This project enabled Monika, along with three other women, to establish a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). The VSLA aims to empower women by helping them manage finances, express themselves, and take part in public discussions.
Reflecting on her arrival in Tolnaku, Monika shared her realization of encountering a different lifestyle. In Kupang, she was accustomed to an environment where girls were encouraged to study and voice their opinions. However, in Tolnaku, women were seldom given the opportunity to speak or make decisions affecting their families, as traditional patriarchal values prevailed.
Monika herself faced the challenges of these gender norms. During her first pregnancy, she was expected to carry out physically demanding tasks like fetching water and collecting firewood. Her experience of giving birth on a pickup truck en route to a healthcare facility underscored the neglect of women's needs and voices.
Determined to foster change, Monika focused on building trust within the community. She learned the local dialect and engaged with local traditions, gradually fostering open conversations about women's participation. Through the WE NEXUS project, Monika gained insights into leadership, gender equality, and community involvement. The VSLA not only facilitated financial savings and loans for women but also served as a platform for mutual support and idea exchange.
Monika now observes an encouraging shift, with more women participating in village meetings and contributing to community discussions. Her personal journey has also influenced her family dynamics, as she and her husband instill values of equality and respect in their children.
Monika acknowledges that changing societal norms is a gradual process. However, she remains optimistic, believing that each woman who finds her voice, each family embracing equality, and each community valuing women's contributions strengthens the collective fabric. Her message is clear: if wealth cannot be passed down, let it be the legacy of confidence, support, and resilience that builds a better future.