Sport program aims to empower Indonesian women

A Charles Darwin University student is calling on Northern Territory sportswomen to get involved in a program to help empower young Indonesian women.

The program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia-Indonesia Institute, aims to encourage women to participate in sport and change perceptions of women’s capabilities.

CDU Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) graduate, Rebecca Lambert is currently studying a Diploma of Languages (Indonesian). She applied for funding for the program after she and project partner Meisha Grant were selected  for the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program where they spent several months living and working in West Kalimantan, Borneo in Indonesia.

“We spent several months living in the rural Indonesian village Desa Lumbang where we undertook projects related to health, education, water management, the environment and sports,” Rebecca said. “The benefits of sports both physically and mentally became obvious in building friendships and its unique ability to connect people.”

Seeking to continue their engagement with a country that they both felt passionate about, Rebecca and Meisha formed Netball Indonesia.

“We hope netball players, coaches and umpires will become involved in the project, which will be implemented in Lombok this year,” she said. “The project will provide the opportunity for 10 Australian netball representatives to expand their leadership, cross-cultural understanding and netball skills through volunteering in Lombok in October.”

If you are interested in getting involved, as a sponsor or volunteer contact Rebecca and Meisha via E: netballindonesia@gmail.com