My Journey in Women and Child Empowerment at the Workplace
Hello, my name is Aprilia Rahmawati, but most people call me April. I am 25 years old and currently working as a CSR Operational Staff in Women and Child Empowerment at PT Pilar Wanapersada. In addition, I have also been entrusted with the role of Gender Committee Coordinator for the Central Kalimantan Area at DSN Group.
My academic background is actually in agriculture — I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Jambi University. Transitioning into a field focused on women’s and children’s protection was certainly a challenge, particularly as I am working in an industry largely dominated by men. It takes extra effort to voice gender equality and to campaign for the protection of women and children.
Starting Out: Learning from Scratch
When I first stepped into this role, my knowledge was admittedly very limited — both in terms of the regulations as well as the practical realities on the ground. But I feel fortunate to be part of a company that is deeply committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and children.
The company provides extensive training and strong managerial support, which has helped me grow. Surrounded by such a supportive workplace culture, I have been able to gain valuable insights and motivation to keep learning, even in areas that initially felt unfamiliar.
Situations that Test Empathy
In carrying out my responsibilities, I often encounter situations that test both my skills and emotions. For instance, I once had to handle a case involving marital conflict. I needed to position myself in a way that could truly understand both perspectives and help them find a way forward. At the same time, I felt a sense of pressure — as someone who is not yet married, I sometimes questioned my own adequacy in addressing such issues.
A similar feeling arises when I conduct outreach sessions on child protection. I often ask myself whether I am in a position to advise parents on how best to treat their children according to their rights, when I myself have no children and have never experienced the day-to-day challenges of parenting.
Over time, I realised that anyone can help if they have the willingness to do so, the right knowledge, and — most importantly — empathy.
Empathy: A Strength and a Challenge
In my daily work, I meet women and children who need extra attention and, above all, someone to listen to them. Often, they just want to express feelings they have long kept to themselves. In those moments, I become a kind of “container” for their emotions.
Listening to their stories has given me countless life lessons. Yet at the same time, it can also weigh heavily on my own mental state. There are times when I feel drained, mentally exhausted, or demotivated — even when I am not physically doing much. I realised that mental fatigue is a natural consequence of working in a role that relies so heavily on empathy.
To manage this, I have been practising coping strategies — setting emotional boundaries so that I can remain compassionate and professional without letting it overwhelm my personal life.
Positive Shifts in the Workplace
What excites me most is seeing real change take place in the workplace. A few years ago, gender equality and child protection discussions were attended mostly by women. Today, the picture is very different — men are now equally involved, and in some sessions, they even outnumber the women.
This shift is a clear sign that the efforts we have been making are starting to take root. Change does not happen overnight, but little by little, mindsets are opening, and more people are taking responsibility for creating a safer and more inclusive environment.
Closing Thoughts: A Journey that Bears Fruit
The journey has been far from easy, but I believe that after hardship comes ease. Every challenge has taught me something, and every effort leaves behind a positive impact.
Working in women’s and children’s empowerment is not just a profession — it is also a calling. And though the road can be tough, I believe that in the end, the journey will always bear sweet fruit. 🌱✨