Kartini in Modern Day: Women Leading the Way in Business

During Kartini's era, the government made strict rules for women. They give limited access to education and public life and require women to do housework at home. On the other hand, men's roles are dominant, where they can lead and make decisions. At that time, society considered the role of women to be trivial and unimportant. Even though Kartini has to experience this, she knows that women have the right to equality in this society. Because of Kartini's pioneer effort, in this present time, women also share equal distribution of power and influence, not only having equal access to education and developing personal interests but also enjoying equal opportunities through work and businesses. 

As technology progresses and there are many business opportunities in Indonesia, the number of female entrepreneurs keeps growing yearly. Data searched by LPEM FEB UI 2020 shows that female MSME activist who started a business from scratch was almost 1.5 times higher than men. This represents a positive outlook for the future of women, as they actively contribute to Indonesia's economic system. Here are four talented and beautiful women who successfully sailed in the sea of business. 

Read More : Women Empowerment In Indonesia

Kartini in Fashion Industry, Dian Pelangi

Her fashion brand was made when she was born by her parents by naming it after her, It proves that being a fashion designer and also running a fashion business is Dian Pelangi's destiny. Focusing on Muslim fashion design, Dian Pelangi is not afraid to include unusual colours and patterns in her designs. She is not afraid to stand out, to be inspired and inspire other Muslim women to build confidence in their taste and style, especially when it comes to styling their hijabs. That is what makes Dian Pelangi a Kartini for Muslim Fashion. She hopes more fashion brands will bring attention to the halal lifestyle and create halal products.

From Pharmacist to Business Woman, Nurhayati Subakat

If you are a makeup and skincare lover, you must know this woman’s brand, which is one of the pioneers of Indonesia’s cosmetic business owners. She was a pharmacist who sold products door-to-door, finally launching Wardah in 1995 and received Halal certification between 1997 and 1998. A woman, a grandmother, a mother, a friend, and a Muslim must have really understood what women need in their daily lives. For almost 30 years in this field, as an entrepreneur, she wanted to ensure that her customers receive happiness and benefits by using her products. Because she believes that all women want to look beautiful and feel fresh, and Muslim women are no different.

Read More : Wardah Inspiration

Amanda Susanti Cole, Kartini for Farmers

Having positive concerns about the development of garden produce in Indonesia, Amanda tries to help farmers get more decent profits from their garden produce. Start by selling Kale directly to restaurants which apparently have high demand for this garden's produce. She learned that because of this move, with the help of her co-founder and the farmer she works with, together they build SayurBox. They have made the right decision to make an impact in Indonesia by being the leading fresh produce supplier and hope that technology can be more beneficial for farming. So, more farmers are expected to sell their garden harvests at reasonable prices, increasing the availability of fresh and satisfying produce for consumers. They have made themself a Kartini for Indonesia’s garden produce.

Read More : Fresh produce and empowering farmers

Dea Valencia, Seeing Abilities Despite Physical Condition

Founded in 2011, Dea Valencia tried to change the perspective of Batik fashion, which is known for the old-fashioned style, into a modern batik style with a touch of uniqueness she creates in it. With her mission “giving back to society”, she wants to do something that not many business owners think of it. Embracing Kartini’s vision of empowering and marginalized communities, Dea saw an opportunity for disabled people to grow together with her company; she gave them a chance to work and hoped people could see them for their abilities rather than their disabilities. Starting with only 3 employees, Dea valencia started Batik Kultur by producing 20 pieces of Batik per month. Today, that number has grown to around 900 pieces per month, with more than 50% of the employees are disabled people. Dea thought that we should not discriminate any people with disabilities despite their physical conditions.

From these four of many Indonesian women in business shows that the progress made possible by Kartini’s effort continues to inspire and guide us today. As we consistently celebrate Kartini Day in April, it serves as a reminder that we, especially women, as the successors of Indonesia, with all the freedom we currently enjoy, are inseparable from her legacy. Together, let's ensure that her legacy thrives, propelling Indonesian women toward even greater success and opportunity.

Read More : Women's Day