BOGOR, WEST JAVA — As a token of appreciation for the struggles of women who give birth to future generations, on Kartini Day, Dompet Dhuafa Bersama AXA Mandiri held a social event titled “Healthier, More Careful, More Independent—Understanding the Health of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women.” This initiative is a tangible expression of appreciation for the efforts of Indonesian women, who have long been a vital pillar of families and the nation, particularly in their roles as mothers who give birth, breastfeed, and educate the next generation.
The event, held on Wednesday (April 23, 2025), at the Dompet Dhuafa Madina Zone in Parung, Bogor, involved at least 30 pregnant and breastfeeding women as primary participants. They received specially prepared nutritional packages to support their health during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Beyond simply distributing aid, the event was designed as an educational and empowerment platform to help women better prepare for their roles as mothers, both in terms of health and financial readiness.
In addition, Dompet Dhuafa and AXA Mandiri also provide free health check-ups and nutritional consultations for children and mothers. These services are provided directly by professional health workers as a form of support for the government’s program to reduce stunting, which remains a major challenge in Indonesia.
“Dompet Dhuafa is always consistent in collaborating with partners who share the same vision, which is to empower the community holistically. In this context, special attention is given to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It is in their hands that the future of our generation is shaped. Such collaborative efforts are hoped to help reduce the still-high rates of maternal and infant mortality,” said Etika Setiawanti, Director of Resource Mobilization at Dompet Dhuafa.
Read also: Not Just Celebrating, Let’s Be the Best Version of Kartini!
In addition to health services, this activity also included the distribution of medical equipment to eight Integrated Health Service Posts (Posyandu) supported by Dompet Dhuafa. This assistance aims to enhance the capacity of Posyandu in providing services to the community, particularly in monitoring the health of mothers and children.
One of the highlights of this event was a health talk on maternal health and family financial management. The talk featured expert speakers, including Dr. Ari Waluyo, SpOG(K), MARS, an obstetrician and gynecologist, and Dalila, Head of Business Development & Banca 4.0 at AXA Mandiri. During the session, participants gained valuable insights into the importance of maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, and tips for managing household finances carefully and independently.
This activity also left a deep impression on the participants, one of whom was Lista Rosita (33), a mother who is currently pregnant with her seventh child. She said she was very grateful to be able to participate in this activity, especially because she gained new knowledge that is very relevant to her daily life.
“I’m so happy to be part of this activity. I now understand the importance of managing family finances, even the small things. After hearing the presenters’ explanations, I want to be more careful and wise in managing our family income. I hope that in the future, our lives will be better and more prosperous,” Lista said enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, AXA Mandiri hopes that this activity can be a real contribution in helping mothers maintain their pregnancy health and provide the best nutrition for their children. It is also hoped that the financial education provided can increase family financial independence and reduce stunting rates in a sustainable manner.
“This activity is part of our commitment to participate in improving the quality of life of the community, especially women and children. We believe that a mother is the first school for her children. If the mother is healthy, intelligent, and empowered, then there is a high likelihood that her children will grow up to be an outstanding generation,” said Atria Rai, Chief Communication Officer of AXA Mandiri.
Read also: Born from Empowerment, This Kartini is Now Empowering Others
To add to the excitement, participants were also invited to take part in an educational game called Monopoly Game, which focused on financial literacy. The game was designed to simulate various unexpected situations in life, such as sudden needs, budget management, and financial decision-making. Through this game, participants were challenged to manage their “finances” wisely and strategically. Participants who make the wisest financial decisions will emerge as winners.
The collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and AXA Mandiri also highlights their contributions to inclusive education. In December 2024, AXA Mandiri donated Rp100 million to Special Schools (SLB) B and C Budi Daya in East Jakarta. The funds, derived from the sales of the Mandiri Masa Depan Sejahtera insurance product in November, were used for scholarships for students with special needs and school facility renovations. This support also involved over 50 AXA Mandiri employees who volunteered, demonstrating a strong spirit of cooperation across all levels of the company.
The social commitment between Dompet Dhuafa and AXA Mandiri has been widely realized throughout 2024. The life and health insurance company allocated more than Rp750 million in social funds for various activities, including community empowerment, environmental conservation, social inclusion, and financial literacy. These programs have reached more than 9,000 people in various cities across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Batam, and Pekanbaru.
The activities during Kartini Day serve as a reminder that commemorating women’s struggles is not enough with symbolic gestures alone, but must be translated into concrete actions that directly address their needs. Dompet Dhuafa and AXA Mandiri demonstrate that collaboration between philanthropic institutions and the business world can be a powerful force in building a healthier and more empowered future for Indonesian women. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika