For these women farmers, not everything goes smoothly. There are days when heavy rain washes away freshly planted seeds. But from that, they learn: failure is the fertilizer for growing stronger. Their big dreams keep them moving forward—step by step, together.
A Beginning, A Dream
Her name is Mariana Endang—once an ordinary housewife in Linggam 1 Hamlet, Linggam Permai Village, Sintang. But in late 2024, her life, and that of 19 other women, began to change.
It started with a small meeting at a café in Sintang, organized by the Gemawan Association. That day, stories about successful women farmers from Mangat Baru sparked something powerful in her heart.
“We can do it too!” she whispered to herself, her pulse quickening with excitement.
From Discussion to Women’s Demonstration Plot
Together with Natalia—who would later lead the Kumang Berseri group—they agreed: village women must have a space to create and grow.
With guidance from Gemawan’s community organizer (CO), the Lebang Mandiri Women Farmers Group was officially formed in November 2024, consisting of 20 women from RT 002, Linggam 1 Hamlet.
The name “Lebang” was chosen to symbolize their determination: to break free from passivity and to independently manage their village’s potential.
A small 20×20-meter plot, once overgrown with weeds, became their shared field. Hands once accustomed to cooking and caring for children now gripped hoes, planting spinach, long beans, corn, and peanuts.
“This is for our future!” shouted one member as the sun blazed overhead.
Sowing Spirit: The First Harvest and Pride
Three months later, Lebang Mandiri celebrated its first harvest—earning Rp400,000.
The amount might seem small, but to them it was proof that collective work bears fruit. They reinvested the money in peanut and corn seeds, ensuring that their cycle of effort continued.
Each time new shoots emerged from the soil, their spirits bloomed anew—fresh, resilient, and full of hope, like rain after a long dry season.
Beyond Numbers
The transformation they experienced went far beyond financial gain. Their solidarity grew stronger. Once mere acquaintances, they have now become sisters.
Every Wednesday morning, they gather at the field, weeding while sharing stories and laughter.
But the most meaningful change is the birth of new women leaders.
“I used to just listen. Now, I’m confident enough to lead small meetings as the group’s secretary,”
said Mariana Endang, smiling.
Other women have also found their voices. Their initiative has gained recognition—the village head even praised their group as proof that women can be drivers of change.
Their field, once hidden and unused, has become a small landmark in the village—a place people visit to witness what women’s cooperation can achieve.
The Key to Success: Collaboration and Support
Gemawan’s support was not limited to training sessions or lectures. They walked alongside the women, step by step—providing training in land management, creating work plans, and learning to market their harvest.
“They trusted us to make our own decisions, and that made us feel capable,”
said Mariana.
Of course, challenges still came. There were days when heavy rains destroyed seedlings, and others when pests damaged crops.
But instead of giving up, they learned resilience.
“We treat failure as fertilizer,”
said Mariana with a smile.
Every challenge became a lesson, every setback a seed of growth.
Women Who Plant Hope
What began as a small gathering of uncertain women has blossomed into a movement of confidence and independence.
With support from Gemawan, Lebang Mandiri has proven that when women have space, solidarity, and opportunity, they can grow more than crops—they grow change itself.
In every seed they plant lies a message of hope:
that from the soil of persistence, women can cultivate not just food, but dignity and a future of their own making.
Author: Natalia Kori, Gemawan.