In a remote village in South Kalimantan, Norkhalisa is proving that rural women can play a crucial role in development and policymaking. With support from ‘Aisyiyah through the INKLUSI Program, she bravely advocated for better healthcare services for children experiencing stunting. Her efforts led to the village government committing to allocate a dedicated budget for child health check-ups.
As a member of Balai Sakinah ‘Aisyiyah (BSA), Norkhalisa and her fellow women members of BSA saw firsthand the impact of stunting on children’s growth and development. Determined to make a difference, they proposed using village funds to provide health check-ups for affected children. Their proposal gained support during the Village Development Planning Meeting (Musrenbangdes), where the village head pledged to include this initiative in the 2025 budget. This success highlights how meaningful participation of women in development can bring tangible improvements to communities.
Norkhalisa’s journey has been shaped by the training and mentorship she received from ‘Aisyiyah through the INKLUSI Program. Through BSA, rural women gain not only knowledge about maternal and child health but also advocacy skills and the confidence to speak up in decision-making spaces. With stronger capacity, they push for policies that better reflect the needs of their communities, particularly women and children.
However, this change has not come without challenges. Norkhalisa has encountered hurdles, from deeply ingrained childcare practices to economic hardships that make it difficult for families to provide adequate nutrition. Many parents in her village remain unaware of the importance of a balanced diet for their children’s well-being.
“Most people here make a living as fishers, but the bigger fish they catch are usually sold rather than consumed. As a result, children only get small fish as their main source of protein,” Norkhalisa explained.
This reality has strengthened her resolve to continue educating her community. She understands that stunting is not just about physical growth—it affects children’s cognitive abilities and their future opportunities.
We want the children in this village to grow up healthy and have a better future. Hopefully, our proposal will be fully implemented so they can receive the proper attention and health check-ups they deserve, she said.
The efforts of Norkhalisa and other women leaders demonstrate that when women have access to information and opportunities to participate, they can become powerful agents of change in their communities. Through the INKLUSI Program, ‘Aisyiyah remains committed to empowering rural women to advocate for their rights and contribute to an inclusive and just society—ensuring that no one is left behind.
