Ibu Sari: A Founder's Journey from Stigmatized Divorce to Empowerment
On episode 4, we are honored to welcome Ibu Sari, the founder of PKP Community Center — an NGO dedicated to empowering Balinese villages, providing a safe space and thriving home to champion emotional and financial support for vulnerable women and their families. Driven by a mission to build women by building the entire community, PKP runs diverse programming and social enterprises to lift up marginalized Balinese members of society.
A staggering statistic indicates that 80% of divorced women in PKP Community Center left marriages that inflicted financial struggle, mental and physical abuse. 20% of the divorced women suffered other causes.
In this conversation, we explore Ibu Sari’s experience of being separated from her daughter for 12 years following an incredibly traumatic divorce. This is the story for most (if not all) women in Bali. It is very difficult for women to be accepted back into their communities and rebuild a life afterwards, which was the driving catalyst for her life’s work.
Other topics we explore in this deeply moving talk:
How her traumatic experience inspired her to start PKP Community Center
Why most Balinese are not equipped with the tools to enter a healthy, happy and sustainable marriage
How to reconcile the traditional Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony with self, community & planet) with the painful inequality resulting from divorce culture
Her philosophy of “head” versus “neck” in looking at the role women play in relationship to men
The significance of “LAF” (Look, Ask & Feel) and how this tool empowers women to grow into their highest potential and leadership in the community
The program(s) within PKP that support the greatest breakthroughs for those seeking a better life and future forward
How she believes Balinese culture will need to shift to support divorced women who have taken the courageous step of claiming their independence and happiness
The sage wisdom she would give to her 20-year old self now
What she is most grateful to Bali for during these COVID times
