Women Environmental Leaders Gather in Bali: Empowering Change for Indonesia’s Future
by Jen Palmer, WEA Special Initiatives Lead; Melisa Apriyani, WEA Indonesia Program Manager; and Sarita Pockell, WEA Learning Architect
On October 14-19 in Bali, Indonesia, Women's Earth Alliance brought together 40 women from 27 of Indonesia's 38 provinces to share holistic environmental solutions and strategies. Since 2019, WEA has engaged over 100 women through its Indonesia Grassroots Accelerator Programs to strengthen women's leadership across the archipelago. From the mountains of Papua to the coastal regions of Sumatra to the jungles and mangroves of Aceh—these women are the heartbeat of change in their communities, committed to protecting Mother Earth and forging a sustainable, equitable future.
Indonesia is one of the most ecologically diverse yet vulnerable regions on the planet. Its more than 17,000 islands stretch approximately 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) from west to east—a distance comparable to the span from New York to Los Angeles. Over the past two decades, Indonesia has faced staggering environmental challenges and climate chaos. Between 2001 and 2022, the country lost nearly 29.4 million hectares of tree cover to extractive industries, resulting in an 18% decline since 2000. High levels of deforestation contribute to CO₂ emissions and exacerbate flooding, which leads to devastating displacement of communities and increased exploitation of women and girls. With projections indicating that more than 2,000 islands may be submerged by rising sea levels as early as 2030, the urgency for action has never been more pressing.. Women, who often shoulder the burdens of climate disruption, are uniquely positioned to lead in creating sustainable solutions. However, many of these women face challenging patriarchal systems and restrictive laws that greatly limit their access to vital resources and decision-making roles.
Since 2019, WEA has responded to these challenges through our flagship Grassroots Accelerator Program. Co-designed and implemented with the Pratisara Bumi Foundation, the Accelerator provides capacity building, networking, and seed funding to women who bring environmental solutions to their communities. Though this cohort of 24 women hailing from diverse ecosystems—from the mountains of Papua to the coastal regions of Sumatra and jungles and mangroves of Aceh—have been meeting online for months, supported by 10 Alumni of past Accelerator programs, October’s Collaboratory was the in-person convening where they have a chance to train one another, participate in experiential learning together and forge life-long friendships that will lead to the weaving of solutions across Indonesia.
A Circle of Strength and Support
Over the course of five transformative days, participants engaged in meaningful exchanges of stories, mentorship, and collaboration. The Indonesia Grassroots Accelerator Collaboratory was more than just an event; it was a celebration of togetherness, resilience, creativity, shared experiences and vision. WEA leaders led and participated in workshops focused on restoring degraded forests, employing community members in eco-friendly enterprises, natural dyeing, regenerative agriculture practices, sustainable waste management innovations to safeguard both communities and water sources, and so much more.
On stage at the public event, each leader passionately shared their unique project successes, inspiring the audience with stories of innovation and resilience that highlight the impactful contributions to sustainability in their communities. Members of the audience actively engaged with the leaders and joined our first-ever ‘WEA marketplace’ where leaders shared (and sold) uniquely crafted eco-items ranging from pineapple husk baskets to naturally-dyed fibers, seed bracelets, hand-woven bags, and more.
Creating a circle of safety and support, participants explored transformative wellness and stress management tools throughout the week, immersing themselves in practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathwork to foster resilience and better navigate the increasing demands they face as individuals and community leaders.
Together, these women formed a powerful network of support and sisterhood. Not only did they bond within their cohort, but they also built friendships with WEA Alumni from previous Grassroots Accelerators. It was truly magical to witness various WEA Leaders from 2019 to 2024 gathering in circles, joining hands, and learning from one another—vibrantly blending together as one unified community.
As they shared their heartfelt challenges and successes, leaders recognized the common threads in their experiences—stories of perseverance in the face of cultural barriers, sexual assault, depression and overwhelm, as well as the shared struggle of what it is to be a woman, a mother, a sister, a leader and a friend. These women exchanged countless innovative solutions, born from necessity and their unwavering commitment to their communities and the environment.
Building Lasting Impact
The WEA Indonesia Collaboratory is not just about immediate solutions; it’s about laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. The bonds created during this gathering—through tears, laughter, learning, story, and dance—will ripple across the nation, empowering local actions and igniting lasting impacts for generations to come. By investing in the leadership of women, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge and creativity essential for tackling Indonesia's pressing environmental issues.
As these women return to their respective communities across far reaching ends of the archipelago, they carry with them not just new skills and insights but also a profound sense of solidarity. They are equipped to advocate for their rights, challenge oppressive systems, and lead the charge toward sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.
In Indonesia, where the stakes are high and the challenges daunting, women are proving to be the architects of change. The WEA Indonesia Grassroots Accelerator Collaboratory has ignited a movement that recognizes the essential role of women in environmental leadership, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions celebrated.
Together, we are not just envisioning a sustainable future—we are actively creating it.
