Raden Ajeng Kartini

Pioneering Indonesian feminist who challenged colonial-era gender norms and championed women's education.

Raden Ajeng Kartini (1879-1904) sparked Indonesia's feminist movement during Dutch colonial rule through her groundbreaking letters advocating for girls' education. Though forced into polygamous marriage at 24, she established the first Indonesian school for native girls that taught science and mathematics alongside traditional skills.

Her posthumously published letters 'Door Duisternis tot Licht' (Through Darkness into Light) became the foundation for Indonesia's Kartini Day (celebrated April 21), inspiring generations of women to pursue education. Modern scholars recognize her as the first Indonesian thinker to systematically challenge colonial and patriarchal structures simultaneously. Today, over 200 Indonesian schools bear her name.