Well, their motivation runs deep, fueled by a burning desire to construct a world that embraces inclusivity and equality. In Mamuju, these resilient women face a set of challenges, burdened by discrimination and a scarcity of employment prospects. But the Garis Hitam Project firmly believes in the power of redemption and the transformative potential within every soul. They're on a mission to prove that everyone, including ex-convicts, deserves a second chance to rewrite their story, become the best version of themselves, and carve a brighter future. With unwavering determination, their motivation serves as a guiding light, inspiring them to relentlessly pursue their mission and create abundant opportunities for these remarkable individuals.

2. How does the Garis Hitam Project define "empowerment" and how do you bring it to life?

Empowerment, according to the Garis Hitam Project, is all about creating an environment where individuals have the space to learn, grow, and develop themselves. We believe in engaging people and groups in their own journey of self-improvement and helping them unlock their true potential. To bring empowerment to life, the Garis Hitam Project organizes various trainings and provides learning materials for former female inmates, enabling them to embark on a path of self-development. Despite the challenges they face, the project remains committed to continuous improvement and learning.

3. How does the training program provided by the Garis Hitam Project help former female inmates start their own small businesses?

The Garis Hitam Project's training program focuses on building self-capacity, offering a range of skills such as sewing, weaving, baking, and recycling. These comprehensive training activities, spanning three months, have been consistently provided for several years. In collaboration with the Mamuju Women's Correctional Facility, we empower former female inmates for a period of two years, preparing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to start their own small businesses.

4. How does the Garis Hitam Project collaborate with the government in this program? 

Collaboration with the government is integral to the Garis Hitam Project's initiatives. Recognizing the importance of government involvement for greater impact, the project ensures the participation of government officials, including deputy governors or specific authorities, during the implementation of each program. The project maintains a strong working relationship with the Mamuju Women's Correctional Facility and regularly engages with the Women's Empowerment Office of the provincial government. As a registered organization contributing to women's empowerment in correctional facilities, Garis Hitam consistently participates in women empowerment programs.

5. What types of small businesses have former female inmates established, and how has the community responded to their ventures?

Former female inmates have established various small businesses, including the production of tote bags, masks, clothing, cookies, and woven bags. The community has responded with enthusiasm and positivity towards these enterprises. Garis Hitam packages these products with a powerful narrative, encouraging individuals to not only support the former inmates but also address the issue of discrimination faced by women.

6. How does the government support the small businesses established by former female inmates?

The government supports the small businesses established by former female inmates through various means. They purchase our products, often acquiring them through small workshops or serving them as snacks for guests and participants of official activities. Notably, the Secretary of the Region frequently purchases tote bags to be given as gifts to guests.

7. What are the challenges the Garis Hitam Project faces when collaborating with the government, and how do you overcome them?

One of the significant challenges we face is navigating political interests, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of discrimination against former female inmates. To overcome these challenges, we focus on building strong emotional bonds with the government. We maintain consistent communication, sharing updates about project developments, and involving the government in every program. By inviting relevant institutions with shared visions to participate as speakers or attendees in their events, such as webinars, we strengthen the relationship with the government.

8. What will the Garis Hitam Project do in this collaborative project with Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG)?

We will conduct an entrepreneurship training program to address the issue of stunting in West Sulawesi, involving former female inmates in producing products. This program also involves the Class 3 Women's Correctional Facility in Mamuju, the Provincial Government, the Provincial Health Office, and the Manpower Office.

9. How will the program be sustained in the future, and what steps will be taken to ensure the program's continuity by the Garis Hitam Project?

The program's sustainability lies in capacity strengthening and the products that will be created after the training. After completing the training, we will produce products that contain the necessary nutrients to address the issue of stunting. We will focus on producing and selling these products. We will also emphasize the issue of stunting and advocate against discrimination faced by former female inmates.

10. What suggestions or recommendations can the Garis Hitam Project provide to the government or other organizations that wish to create similar programs to assist former female inmates?

Collaboration is key! Building a strong partnership between the government and NGOs/organizations is crucial, as decisions and regulations stem from the government. To facilitate implementation, it's important to establish a strong bond with the government. Identify common ground and align the program with their priorities. Effective and consistent communication is vital for success.

The Garis Hitam Project's dedication to empowering women ex-convicts is truly inspiring. So, what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and stay tuned for further update about this collaboration.