Gesyha’s inspiring journey: A young advocate determined to end child labour

With unwavering passion and boundless enthusiasm, 15-year-old high school student Gesyha Ayundya Zilfana took the stage, sharing her journey as a peer-to-peer advocate for children's rights and the urgent fight to end child labour. Speaking at the two-day national event commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour in Jakarta, she captivated the audience with her inspiring story—a journey that also marked her national debut and her first-ever flight from Kesilir Village, Jember, East Java.

“I am beyond excited to be here, sharing everything I’ve done alongside my fellow colleagues at the Children’s Forum in my village. This is also my first time flying! I loved it, though I have to admit I was a little scared during take-off and landing,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

The government must ensure children go to school, not work. Even one case of child labour is too many. We cannot turn a blind eye. As Indonesia progresses, its children must progress too.

Gesyha Ayundya Zilfana 

During the first event, held on 11 June and titled Fun Wednesday: Dare to Dream and Aspire from an Early Age, Gesyha delivered a powerful message, shedding light on a harsh reality in her village. The event was organized by JARAK, the Alliance for the Elimination of Child Labour, and the Research Centre for Child Protection, with support from the ILO through its Realizing Trade Gains Free from Gender Discrimination and Child Labour (RealGains) Project.

Funded by the Government of Canada, the recently launched RealGains Project aims to enhance trade and investment in selected export sectors by addressing deficits in Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, particularly those related to gender-based discrimination and child labour. It also strengthens national efforts to eliminate child labour in palm oil agriculture through improved prevention, enforcement, and monitoring.

© ILO

Gesyha highlighted the struggles faced by many children in her community, explaining that they are obligated to help their families on tobacco farms, especially during the harvest season, which coincides with the school holiday in July. “Working on tobacco farms can be dangerous for children, as they must climb high piles of harvested tobacco. Most of them have no choice but to assist their parents instead of spending their holidays engaged in creative and educational activities," she stated. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

At the second event on 12 June, Gesyha joined a panel discussion alongside experts from the Ministry of Human Rights, Global Compact Network, Partnership for Action Against Child Labour in Agriculture (PAACLA) and the ILO. The session was part of the inaugural PAACLA Award, honouring seven agricultural companies committed to eliminating child labour and empowering communities. Organized by PAACLA, the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Ministry of Manpower, with support from the ILO’s RealGains Project, the event underscored the urgency of protecting children.

“The government must ensure children go to school, not work. Even one case of child labour is too many. We cannot turn a blind eye. As Indonesia progresses, its children must progress too,” she emphasized, sharing her hopes for the future during the panel discussion.

A passionate voice against child labour

Gesyha, as the chair of the Children’s Forum in Kesilir Village, has been a passionate advocate since its inception three years ago. The Forum has been a transformative presence in her community, offering her and her peers educational programmes that challenge them to grow and improve.

Before joining, she was reserved and hesitant, unfamiliar with public speaking or engaging with others. "I used to be timid and had no idea how to talk to people. But in junior high school, I discovered public speaking and practiced, again and again, until I found my courage and my voice," she shared, reflecting on her journey.

Traditionally, children have been expected to help support their families, easing their parents' burdens. But at the same time, we must recognize that children have the right to experience childhood, learn and develop their skills through education and creativity.

Gesyha and her peers in the Children’s Forum have embraced the roles of pioneers and reporters, driving change in their community. "As pioneers, we initiate positive action and inspire other children. As whistleblowers, we amplify the importance of children's rights and alert authorities to child labour cases," she explained with determination.

She proudly shared that the Forum has established an integrated service system for teenagers—a platform empowering local youth to not only lead and report but also to understand their rights and boldly voice their aspirations. This initiative has transformed young people into advocates for their own futures.

A future leader in the making

© ILO

Beyond empowering children, the system has strengthened collaboration with parents and village authorities. "Traditionally, children have been expected to help support their families, easing their parents' burdens. But at the same time, we must recognize that children have the right to experience childhood, learn and develop their skills through education and creativity," she emphasized.

To empower the community, the Forum has launched a unique handicraft initiative: hand-carved and hand-painted rubber flip-flops. "Learning to carve is challenging. It takes days to complete a single pair. But this isn’t just about creativity; it’s about strengthening our community and creating meaningful, profitable opportunities," Gesyha shared, proudly displaying her work.

So, what’s next for this vibrant young leader? “I am going to learn English!” she giggled. “My parents are really supportive, and they always remind me to take the time to learn so I can share my vision with everyone.”

Looking ahead, she is eager to shape Indonesia’s future. In 2027, after graduating from high school, she hopes to enrol in the Civil Service College. “I started elementary school at five years old and want to join the next generation of government officials, driving development forward. The Golden Indonesia 2045 vision needs educated children and as future leaders, we must be prepared and ensure access for all,” she declared with determination.