In the words of Een Juliani: “Collaboration and networking are the key”

Interviewed by Ryan Rihi

Een Juliani is the founder of Fluent English, an English-language education institution based in Manna, South Bengkulu. She integrates gender equality teaching into her students' learning curriculum. She has also been an active member of the National Gender Youth Activists of UN Women Indonesia since 2024.

In my region, many women have not been able to go far in pursuing their aspirations due to deeply rooted conservative stereotypes. We were raised on the advice of an older generation that told us women did not need to pursue higher education or a career, because our place was in the home.

Fluent English tries to move against that narrative by creating employment opportunities for women. The reality is that many women in my area are the primary breadwinners of their families and belong to the sandwich generation. I strongly feel that we need far more job opportunities for women.

Fluent English provides English-language education for children. Beyond that, we also integrate gender equality into our curriculum. We provide foundational knowledge on gender issues, which are rarely discussed in my region. I introduce children from an early age to the idea that boys and girls equally deserve education, reinforced through visuals and images of successful women. When they see that women can play multiple roles, they begin to build higher aspirations for themselves. The hope is that they will grow up to be self-reliant and independent.

As a young activist, I see young people as among the most powerful and promising members of society, particularly at their most productive age. That potential is best maximized when channeled into positive endeavours. Young people are also inherently creative and that creativity can accelerate the achievement of activist goals. At the same time, young people serve as a bridge between the generations that came before and those that will come after.

That said, there are still various challenges holding young people back. The Government has not been particularly proactive in involving youth, and there remains a general lack of trust towards young people. I have personally experienced being looked down upon and dismissed, both as a young person and as a woman.

When it comes to Fluent English, as a small and medium enterprise (SME), the challenges of running a youth-led SME are real. There is still no strong community dedicated to supporting SMEs, especially those that are small-scale and have limited financial literacy. Access to licensing, funding, mentorship and collaboration also remains far from adequate.

As a young activist, there are naturally days of highs and lows. I personally see that as normal, because every day carries its own shade: some less good, some good, some very good. When difficult days come, I treat them as a signal that I need to recharge and gather the energy to stay motivated and consistent in the work I do.

The world of activism is exciting, but it can also feel lonely at times. For that reason, we need more people so that this movement becomes more vibrant and fulfilling. We can stay consistent and work hard towards the goals we hope to see in our communities. Young people are eager to collaborate across Indonesia and beyond. Collaboration and networking are the key.”