Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women and girls around the world. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” reminds us that every step toward gender equality matters – and every story of a woman overcoming barriers inspires change.
At indigo foundation, we have the privilege of partnering with grassroots communities who are breaking cycles of poverty and discrimination to create a better future. Today, in celebration of IWD, we want to share some powerful stories of success from our partner communities.
Sumitha’s Story: A Dream for a Different Future
Sumitha lives in a traditional village in rural Tamil Nadu, where most girls leave school early and marry young. But she dared to dream differently.
With the support of coaching classes funded by the indigo foundation, Sumitha achieved an outstanding 95% in her Year 12 exams. She aspired to study law, but her father was reluctant. After much persuasion, he allowed her to study commerce at a government college – a significant step in a community where higher education for girls is rare. Sumitha hasn’t given up on her dream and hopes to study law after her degree, continuing to challenge the expectations set for her.
Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and hope – and she is not alone. Over the years PEAB, indigo’s local partner, has supported hundreds of Dalit children to complete higher education, pursue more dignified employment than their parents and dream big. Your support of indigo has made this possible!
PEKKA: Empowering Women in Indonesia
In Indonesia, our partnership with PEKKA is transforming the lives of women who are sole heads of households and their children. PEKKA women have shared how being part of the collective gives them respect, confidence, knowledge and economic opportunities.
One PEKKA member, Petronella, who is vision impaired, expressed how PEKKA made her feel like a “complete human being” by giving her opportunities and supporting her to contribute in public forums.
Through community led initiatives, PEKKA women on the remote islands of Adonara and Lembata are leading change for their families and communities. indigo supports them through bursaries for their daughters’ education, improved livelihoods through organic gardening, and cultural-environmental education via children’s and food festivals. These activities provide critical pathways for women and their families to build sustainable futures.
Women Leading Change
Across our partner communities, women and girls are driving transformation:
- Bougainville: Hako Women’s Collective operates a Safe House, providing critical support for women and children fleeing violence, while also engaging men in conversations about change.
- Afghanistan: Despite extreme restrictions, our community partners are determined to keep education alive for young girls, believing in the power of knowledge to shape futures.
Your Support Makes This Possible
We are deeply grateful to those who have already donated – your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of women and girls in our partner communities.
Thanks to supporters like you, our partners continue to make progress on gender equality, ensuring more women and girls have access to education, leadership opportunities, and safety.
For those who haven’t donated yet, please help us reach our goal of $35,000 to expand our impact in Bougainville, India, Indonesia and elsewhere.
Thank you for standing with us to accelerate action toward a more equitable and safe world for all women and girls.
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