For three full days, from October 22 to 24, 2025, 100 cadres from four villages in South Central Timor Regency (TTS), East Nusa Tenggara, gathered in Niki-niki for a jamboree event. This event was not merely a meeting, but a vibrant space for sharing experiences, strengthening capacities, and celebrating the cadres’ efforts in expanding access to reproductive health services in their communities.
This jamboree is part of the TAKENUSA project (Joint Commitment for Women’s Health in Nusa Tenggara), initiated by IPAS Indonesia Foundation in collaboration with its partner, CIS Timor Foundation. Since its launch in 2023, the project has focused on improving access to two crucial issues in reproductive health: contraceptive services and post-abortion care.
Through interactive discussion sessions and inspiring talk shows, the cadres shared real stories of their struggles, ranging from facing social stigma, building trust amidst a strong patriarchal culture, to empowering youth groups.
From Home to Places of Worship
Mama Marselina Meli, a cadre and church elder, shared her unique approach to conveying information about family planning. She utilized moments of togetherness at church to engage in casual dialogue with the congregation.
“To approach the community, as a church elder, sometimes while leading worship, while waiting for other congregants, we share stories. After that, they ask about family planning,” she recalled.
From an economic perspective, Mama Meli explained the importance of family planning amidst rising prices of basic necessities and limited income in the village.
“While children’s needs are becoming more demanding every day, even household food expenses are increasing,” she emphasized.
Domestic Challenges
For Mama Meriani Tefnai, the biggest challenge came from her own home. She faced comments from her husband regarding domestic roles when she became active as a cadre.
“The challenge actually comes from within. So this becomes a lesson: when we recruit female cadres, we also need to approach their husbands. It’s good if the husband is understanding; if the husband is jealous, then we face difficulties,” she emphasized.
Engaging with Youth Groups
Not only adult women, but cadres also target youth groups, both female and male, who still have limited knowledge about reproductive health. The issues of unplanned pregnancies and child marriage are primary concerns.
Cadre Nondi Lopo from Lanu Village highlighted the importance of village government support in conducting regular outreach.
“Usually, reproductive health counseling for adolescents in schools occurs every three months. Additionally, there is monthly counseling from Posyandu cadres at their respective posts,” she stated.
As a teacher, Nondi also uses the school as a strategic space for education. “So, for the children who are there every day, I am with them and constantly remind them, and I also frequently consult with the principal and all the teachers after lessons,” she revealed.
This jamboree serves as a safe space for mutual empowerment, learning from experiences, and building cross-village solidarity. Amidst a still-strong patriarchal culture, the cadres demonstrate that change can begin in small spaces: from homes, churches, schools, to Posyandu.