MESTARA BERDAYA
Empowering and improving the life of underprivileged young girls in Indonesia
Mestara Berdaya aims to empower at-risk girls to break-free from constraints of poverty, child marriage, and school dropouts. Through our workshops and scholarships, we equip these girls with guidance and resources to become self-sufficient and earn better access to education. Starting our initiative in Bojonegoro and Yogyakarta, we now build sustainable support for girls in Bogor and East Sumba.
Our Journey
Mestara Berdaya Bogor
Economic barriers, gender norms, and limited access to information about higher education continue to affect girls’ ability to pursue university studies in Indonesia.
To address this challenge, Mestara has been working with schools in West Java since 2022 to support girls in continuing their education. The program introduces students to higher education opportunities, scholarship pathways, and university preparation programs.
Starting in 2026, the initiative also includes educational sessions on adolescent reproductive health, consent, and protection from sexual harassment and exploitation. These sessions aim to strengthen girls’ confidence, awareness, and ability to make informed decisions that support their safety and educational goals.
So far, the program has reached 3,074 young girls from five schools, helping them expand their aspirations and access pathways toward higher education.
Mestara Berdaya Sumba
One of the poorest regions, in Indonesia, East Sumba, presents a huge challenge for the proliferation of female education. With 4 out of 10 girls aged 16-18 no longer accessing education in East Sumba (source: BPS).
Mestara aims to prevent further dropouts by alleviating the financial struggles of female students to stay in school.
Through providing over Rp 218 million worth of 719 grocery assistance (sembako) package, scholarships, and school supplies for 80 girls in 4 different schools in Waingapu, we are determined to reduce their financial constraints and ensure they finish secondary education, graduating with better hopes for the future.
With Mestara Berdaya Sumba, going to school should no longer be seen as a burden or a waste of money. Hopefully, we can further cut the cycle of school dropouts that lead to early marriages and child labor.
How Mestara Berdaya Started
In 2022, Mestara's early initiative in empowerment program took place in Bojonegoro and Yogyakarta.
Bojonegoro
2
programs (Sexual Health Education & Sewing Bootcamp)
152
young girls are involved & empowered through our program
24
tote bags from sewing bootcamp were sold with all profits going directly to them.
In Bojonegoro, child marriage rates increased by 207.5% in 2020. Given that girls between the ages of 15 and 17 are commonly married off, they often become vulnerable to domestic violence and poverty. To promote sexual health awareness and help young girls take charge of their lives, Mestara organized a sexual health education and women empowerment program.
This initiative not only helped the women become self-sufficient but also contributed to the overall goal of preventing child marriage by providing economic opportunities for women.
Yogyakarta
Conducted in collaboration with Yayasan Rumah Impian, Dinas Sosial Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Teruntuk Project, and Accenture Indonesia, Mestara Berdaya Yogyakarta offers a series of workshops designed to inspire and empower street children in Sleman, Yogyakarta.
25
of them expressed a strong desire to find employment post-graduation to support their families,
36
street children involved and empowered through our education & job preparation sessions
3
workshop Series (Inspiration Class, Scholarship Info Session, CV & Interview Preparation Seminars)
By introducing them to scholarship pathways and job-seeking skills, we aim to foster a mindset of resilience and self-determination as they work toward building a brighter future.
Testimonials
Gabriela
Student at SMK N 5 Waingapu, East Sumba
I used to help my siblings work at the sea to make ends meet and pay for school. Thanks to Mestara, I no longer have to do that and can focus more on my studies.
Zaskia
Student at SMA N 1 Ciampea, Bogor Regency
The event was exciting, I have new insight and a lot of new information related to higher education. I want to continue my dream of becoming a bank manager
Intan
Student at PP Alhamdulillah, Bojonegoro
Take this sewing training so I can have sewing skills, who knows, maybe one day I can openmy own tailor service and open my own boutique
