After darkness comes light.”
This timeless phrase, often echoed during Kartini Day on April 21st, embodies the enduring spirit of Raden Ajeng Kartini—a pioneer of women’s empowerment in Indonesia. Her legacy is not merely about equality, but also about the courage of women to keep learning, growing, and thriving in all walks of life—whether as mothers, students, or professionals.
“Women today must continue expanding their knowledge and insight, no matter their occupation,”
—a sentiment that aligns with Kartini’s lifelong mission.
Indeed, great women are born from courage—courage to fight injustice and to rise again amid hardship.
The Remarkable Woman Named Pariha
That same spirit shines through Pariha (50), a resilient woman from Penakalan Village in Sambas Regency. She works as an early childhood education (PAUD) teacher and also serves as Coordinator of the Kamboja Women’s Group, part of the North Coast Women’s Union (SERUMPUN), which currently has 25 active members.
“A woman must know how to carry herself, understand her place, and know what to do within her surroundings,”
she said calmly in between her daily activities.
Pariha’s life story is one of perseverance. She once faced deep disappointment and hardship—but from those dark moments, her determination was born. With modest capital yet immense willpower, she began rebuilding her life from the ground up.
“I always asked myself: if others can work hard and succeed, why can’t I?”
she recalled.
That mindset became her compass—guiding her to rise, persevere, and rebuild.
A Journey of Resilience
Years ago, Pariha started a small grocery business when roads were still rough and competition was scarce. Local residents preferred to shop nearby, and her store became a lifeline for the community. But times have changed—better infrastructure brought more competitors, and rising prices made it harder to sustain her business.
“I won’t give up,”
she declared firmly.
“Even as prices keep going up, I’ll do everything I can to keep my business running in this difficult economy.”
The soaring cost of fertilizers and herbicides adds another layer of challenge, especially as a single mother who must shoulder every responsibility alone.
Yet, with the prayers of her parents and the unwavering support of her only child, her small business continues to grow. Slowly but surely, she is reaching the dreams she once thought impossible.
“Dream big, and God will grant it, insha’Allah. Keep sending blessings upon the Prophet, and may your wishes be fulfilled. Never forget to give charity—for from there, sustenance will come, and success will follow in this world and the hereafter.”
A Living Reflection of Kartini’s Spirit
Pariha’s journey reminds us that the struggle of women is never in vain.
The spirit of Kartini lives on—not just in history books, but in the quiet determination of women like Pariha, who dare to dream, rise from adversity, and shine through perseverance.
Editor: Siti Rahmawati, Head of the Women’s Division, Gemawan