Bogor, May 26–28, 2025 |In a serene corner of West Java, nestled among the green hills of Highland Park Resort Bogor, 28 exceptional young women gathered not just for a bootcamp—but for a transformational leap into their future. Over the course of three immersive days, the Bootcamp SHINE (She Inspires and Empowers) 2025, jointly hosted by INOTEK and U-Go, became a living space of courage, curiosity, and collective growth.
As part of the broader SHINE initiative, the 2025 bootcamp carried the spirit of FLARE (Female Leaders Accelerating Resilience and Entrepreneurship)—a continuation of the foundational SPARK series. While SPARK kindled self-awareness and social insight, FLARE dared each participant to rise: to build leadership skills, sharpen their voices, and bring their impact-focused projects to life with clarity and resilience.
From Awareness to Action: A Journey of Empowerment
Day one opened with an energy of anticipation and solidarity. From the first moments—singing “Indonesia Raya” and the U-Go anthem—to the official opening remarks from INOTEK and the Bogor City Office of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, the tone was clear: this was not merely a training—it was a commitment to growth.
Morning sessions focused on essential soft skills such as self-awareness, adaptability, and socio-cultural sensitivity—equipping participants with the tools to navigate both community complexities and professional dynamics. In the afternoon, the focus deepened into practical leadership skills—including negotiation, conflict resolution, and team delegation—emphasizing that leadership is not about dominance, but about empathy, collaboration, and clarity in decision-making.
The day ended with a powerful session titled “How to Start a Movement”, where participants explored the initial steps of designing and activating a social cause rooted in their lived experiences and aspirations. The reflections from this session lingered well into the evening over shared dinner and lighthearted games.
Pitching Dreams, Shaping Realities
The second day was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Each participant stepped into the spotlight to pitch her community project—proposals they had been shaping since SPARK, now refined through guidance and introspection. From health campaigns in rural districts to sustainability efforts in coastal villages, every pitch carried urgency and purpose. The goal: to secure project grants that could translate ideas into action.
Following the pitches, participants broke into five specialization classes: Women in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Digital Innovation, Health, and Education Development. Here, they engaged in peer learning, strategic mentoring, and hands-on planning with experts across sectors. Whether exploring gender-sensitive sanitation solutions or building inclusive education models for children with disabilities, these sessions grounded their visions in data, dialogue, and design.
Later that afternoon, the hills echoed with laughter and adrenaline as participants braved a team outbound challenge. And as twilight arrived, the group circled a bonfire for an evening of raw honesty and deep connection. In that flame-lit moment, personal walls came down, and the spirit of SHINE fully ignited—quiet tears, strong affirmations, and shared courage wrapped around the fire like a promise
Closing with Clarity, Carrying the Flame Forward
Day three began at dawn with light exercise, followed by a heartfelt Reward and Recognition ceremony. Each participant not only received acknowledgment for their growth, but also left with a renewed sense of purpose: that leadership is not a title but a daily decision.
Bootcamp SHINE 2025 ended where all transformative experiences begin again—with reflection, gratitude, and the spark of what’s to come. As the participants hugged each other goodbye, laughter echoing through the mountain air, one truth remained unmistakable: empowered women empower communities.
This bootcamp was more than a training. It was a declaration that when young women are trusted with opportunity, mentorship, and space—they don’t just thrive. They lead. They innovate. They build the bridges the world so desperately needs
