Indigenous Young Women Leading Change Across Southeast Asia
Source: International IDEA
Cindy Yohana, an Indigenous youth leader from the Wairasa community on Sumba Island, Indonesia, and Ricamae Ented, a Tëdurai youth leader from the Bangsamoro Region in the Southern Philippines, joined the Academy as representatives of their communities.
The Academy focused on identifying and challenging negative gender social norms while strengthening positive ones. What stood out were the testimonies of these Indigenous young women, who described being supported and uplifted within their own communities—yet facing challenges when interacting with broader society.
Another shared theme was the strong emphasis placed on food security and food sovereignty. This was not only highlighted by the Indigenous participants but by the Academy’s young women overall. They underscored the importance of community organising, sustainable agriculture, and Indigenous knowledge in ensuring long-term resilience. Their understanding of security extends beyond traditional notions to include the stability and wellbeing of their societies.
Cindy Yohana, an Indigenous youth leader from the Wairasa community on Sumba Island, Indonesia, and Ricamae Ented, a Tëdurai youth leader from the Bangsamoro Region in the Southern Philippines, joined the Academy as representatives of their communities.
The Academy focused on identifying and challenging negative gender social norms while strengthening positive ones. What stood out were the testimonies of these Indigenous young women, who described being supported and uplifted within their own communities—yet facing challenges when interacting with broader society.
Another shared theme was the strong emphasis placed on food security and food sovereignty. This was not only highlighted by the Indigenous participants but by the Academy’s young women overall. They underscored the importance of community organising, sustainable agriculture, and Indigenous knowledge in ensuring long-term resilience. Their understanding of security extends beyond traditional notions to include the stability and wellbeing of their societies.