Celebrating International Women’s Day and Kartini Day
As we conclude our series celebrating both International Women’s Day (8 March) and Kartini Day (21 April), we are delighted to wrap up with an article by Shiela Zhafira, representing the voices of Gen Z women in our office.
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When I was younger, one of the simplest things I enjoyed most was driving around Jakarta at night. I would sit by the window, looking up at the tall buildings glowing against the dark sky, wondering what it felt like to work there, to be part of something bigger.

One night, my father said something that stayed with me: “If you want to be there, be a player, not a spectator.”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant. But the words lingered. They quietly shaped the way I began to see possibilities not just as something to observe, but something to step into.

Years later, during my third semester at university, I found myself searching for more than just getting through classes. I wanted an environment that could support both my academic and personal growth. I wanted clarity, direction, and a sense of purpose. But that kind of space wasn’t always readily available. That was when my father’s words came back to me.

Instead of waiting for the right environment, I decided to build one. In 2020, together with a close friend, I co-founded Youth Miles Indonesia, a community designed to bring together students who wanted to take an active role in shaping their future. Whether it was pursuing further studies, building a career, or starting a business, we wanted to create a space where young people could learn, connect, and grow with intention.

What started as a small initiative gradually expanded into something much larger. Through programs like Youth Mini Class, Youth Talks, and Youth Competition, we’ve been able to reach thousands of young people. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been connecting students with MSMEs (small business owners), turning real business challenges into learning opportunities. It became a space not just for ideas, but for practical solutions, helping businesses find new ways forward.

Today, Youth Miles Indonesia continues to grow and remain active. We have also had the opportunity to collaborate with Dinas Pemuda dan Olahraga Kota Tangerang, allowing us to expand our reach and contribute more directly to youth development at the local level.

But being a “player” didn’t stop there. During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, my mother and I chose to build something small from home. What began as a simple attempt to make snacks during lockdown grew into a business we now run together. Our first product was spaghetti brulee, an experimental dish that unexpectedly became our starting point. From there, we expanded into pasta, cookies, puddings, and other comfort foods under our brand, Sure.Eat. Our intention was simple: to make quality food accessible, something that feels premium, yet remains affordable.

At times, the journey can feel overwhelming, especially during festive seasons when orders surge and everything demands more careful attention, my time, energy, and focus. Yet, even in those moments, I choose to keep going. There’s a certain kind of excitement I find in the process, something that makes it all feel worthwhile. I’ve come to believe that when we are confident in our choices and allow ourselves to truly enjoy what we do, there will always be new excitement waiting just ahead.

That was when new opportunities began to unfold for me. I was selected as a Duta Pemuda Indonesia, representing Banten Province, a role that entrusted me with the responsibility to inspire and motivate young people in my community, particularly in Tangerang City.

Through this journey, I have often been invited to speak at schools and universities, sharing my experiences and perspectives. The enthusiasm I’ve encountered has been deeply encouraging, with some even inspired to follow a similar path by participating in Duta Pemuda programs.

Stepping into the professional sphere further expanded my capacity to create meaningful impact, particularly through my role as a member of the ESG Task Force. I’ve come to understand that impact can take many forms whether through small, immediate actions or through a more strategic lens, by critically assessing the externalities of business operations and aligning them with ESG principles. At its core, all of this began with a choice, the choice to take a step forward and become a player rather than a passive observer. And as a woman, this journey carries its own meaning.

For me, being a woman is not about proving something extraordinary. It is about showing up consistently, thoughtfully, and with intention. As a woman we have a choice to bring awareness, empathy, and impact into the spaces we are part of. Because sometimes, impact does not come from grand gestures. It comes from small, meaningful actions, done consistently over time. And perhaps that is where it all connects.

To choose to act and to be a player.

Shiela Zhafira
Advisory Associate Consultant

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If you find the viewpoints shared by the women in our office inspiring and would like to discuss how to further empower women in the workplace, please reach out to the BDO in Indonesia team.