JAKARTA (India News Desk) — To commemorate International Women’s Day, the Indoindians Community, together with the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, held the Indoindians Extraordinary Women Awards 2026 at the Indian Embassy Auditorium, Gama Tower, Jakarta, on Saturday (March 7, 2026). The event honored women who have created meaningful impact in society through leadership, innovation, and service across various fields.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats, community leaders, professionals, and members of both the Indonesian and Indian communities. In addition to the awards presentation, the event also featured a cultural performance and an art showcase titled Her World – Strength, Spirit & Stories.
Celebrating Impact Beyond Achievement
Founder of IndoIndians, Poonam Sagar, said the awards were created to spotlight women who are making real change within their communities.
“Many remarkable women within our community are quietly transforming lives and mindsets, yet their contributions often remain unseen beyond their immediate circles,” she said.
According to Poonam, the awards are not merely about recognizing success, but about acknowledging meaningful impact.
“This recognition is not only about success, but about impact — women who step beyond personal ambition to uplift others, strengthen communities, and create lasting change,” she added.
Women Continue to Face Challenges
In his keynote address, Ambassador of India to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted that women around the world continue to face significant social challenges.
“I believe every woman is extraordinary. While we are recognizing a few today, the reality is that women everywhere are constantly confronting social norms, patriarchy, and various forms of inequality,” he said.
He emphasized that the awards recognize women whose contributions extend beyond personal achievements.
“What truly matters is not who they are or what position they hold, but whether they are creating an impact for others. Many women who may appear modest in economic terms often create a far greater impact within their communities,” he noted.
Women’s Leadership for the Future
Ulziisuren Jamsran, Head of UN Women Indonesia and Liaison to ASEAN, underscored the importance of women’s leadership in addressing global challenges.
“For more than a century since International Women’s Day began, we have witnessed how women have made breakthroughs in politics, the economy, and social life,” she said.
However, she noted that the journey toward gender equality remains ongoing.
“Investing in women’s leadership is key to addressing global challenges, from economic pressures to climate change,” Ulziisuren said.
She also highlighted the importance of cross-country collaboration in advancing women’s empowerment.
Five Inspiring Women
This year’s awards were presented to five women recognized for their significant contributions in their respective fields.
Ade Damayanti, a community empowerment advocate, shared her experience working in remote regions of Indonesia.
“I lived alongside local communities and learned directly from indigenous groups. Through that experience, I realized how important community participation and local voices truly are,” she said.
Writer and community advocate Aruna Harjani highlighted the importance of solidarity among women.
“Women need to learn to value themselves and support one another, rather than bring each other down,” she said.
In the corporate sector, Cicin Winedar was recognized for her efforts in promoting inclusive leadership in the workplace.
“If people have to fight for something that should be normal, then the system itself needs to be redesigned,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nendra Yelena Sarina was acknowledged for her work in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Indonesia.
“I accept this award not only for myself, but for the small entrepreneurs, especially women, who demonstrate resilience and courage every day,” she said.
In the field of healthcare, Dr. Varkha Lachman received recognition for her decades-long dedication to medical service.
“A teacher once told me, ‘Just be present for His creation, and He will do the work.’ Since then, I have believed that my role is simply to serve with compassion,” she said.
Women’s Voices Through Art
Alongside the awards ceremony, the event also featured the Her World – Strength, Spirit & Stories art showcase curated by Vinita Parambi.
The exhibition showcased works by Aparna R Rajan, Chanchal Sandhu, Drishti Tolani, Krati Mathur, Kalpana Shah, Neelam Nautiyal, Renee Charlee Huan, Rashi Sharda, Swati Chavhan, Tejal Gothivarekar, and Vaishali Deepak.
According to Vinita, art serves as an important platform for women to express their life experiences and perspectives.
“When women tell their stories through art, they explore emotions, experiences, resilience, and achievements,” she said.
Strengthening Indonesia–India Ties
Through this initiative, organizers hope more women will be inspired to contribute to building inclusive and resilient communities.
At the same time, the event also strengthens people-to-people connections between Indonesia and India through cultural exchange, community collaboration, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Interactions between the two communities in forums such as this are expected to open wider opportunities for cooperation, while reinforcing people-to-people ties that remain a key pillar of the long-standing partnership between Indonesia and India.
