Hi Girls… On the 21st of April in Indonesia every year, we celebrate a day called Kartini Day. It’s a celebration to honor Raden Ajeng Kartini for her spirit in fighting for women’s rights in Indonesia.

Years ago, women in Indonesia weren’t allowed to receive an education. Isn’t it sad? For Ibu Kartini, she knew and felt that this was incredibly unfair, therefore she fought for women’s rights in Indonesia by establishing a school for girls in Rembang.

Through her letters, which were later published in a book titled Out of Dark Comes Light, Ibu Kartini’s thoughts managed to change people’s perception towards women in Indonesia at the time and she grew to become an inspiration to many to improve the livelihood of women in Indonesia through education.

The work of Ibu Kartini allowed for some of the most powerful and influential people in Indonesia since her time to be women. Included in this prestigious list is Indonesia’s 5th President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, as well as mega successful entrepreneurs such as Martha Tilaar, Suzy Hutomo, Susi Pudjiastuti, and many more.

Now, as today’s girl generation, we are lucky enough to have a wide range of opportunities and chances to receive an education and follow our dreams, none of which would be possible without the commitment of Ibu Kartini in fighting for equality of rights for women in Indonesia.

I’d like to invite all girls in Indonesia to celebrate this day with me and honor Ibu Kartini in remembering that our education is a gift, not a burden and that with the right amount of motivation and perseverance, we can make our dreams come true.

C’mon Girls, follow your dreams!