Ningsi Selan: Guarding the Girls of Timor

Ningsi Selan was born out of a history marked by sexual violence. Today, at 19, she dedicates her life to ensuring no other girl has to endure the same painful experience.

With the support of Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia), Ningsi leads her peers in Enonapi Village, Timor Tengah Selatan, East Nusa Tenggara, to spread awareness through a youth-led health post (posyandu remaja). Together, they educate families on the dangers of child marriage, a practice that has long shaped the lives of girls in the region. Thanks to their efforts, both teenagers and parents in her village are becoming increasingly aware of the long-term risks of marrying too young.

On a bright afternoon in late May 2022, Ningsi’s home was filled with the chatter of her peers and several parents, waiting for visitors from a local NGO. Among them were five of the 15 members of the youth health post, ranging in age from 12 to 18. While Ningsi spoke softly, her depth of knowledge about gender equality, sexual violence, child marriage, and even the risks of social media was unmistakable. Her determination was clear: no girl should suffer due to ignorance or lack of information.

Growing up with a painful legacy

Ningsi never met her father. Her mother, Welmince, was only 16 when she became pregnant in 2003. The man responsible abandoned her and was later imprisoned for impregnating a minor, only to remarry after his release. Forced to leave school, Welmince raised Ningsi with the help of her parents, eventually returning to finish high school. As a single mother, she devoted herself to ensuring her daughter would grow up educated and resilient.

Over time, Ningsi came to understand the roots of her family’s pain: her mother’s lack of knowledge and emotional readiness had left her vulnerable. It was a story all too common in her community, where adolescent pregnancies remained widespread. In March 2022, government records showed 61 cases of underage pregnancies in Timor Tengah Selatan, down from 81 in 2021. In Enonapi, however, no new cases were reported—thanks in part to awareness efforts led by Ningsi and her peers.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, who volunteered as a facilitator for Plan Indonesia, Ningsi absorbed knowledge and developed a passion for protecting children and empowering girls. By her teenage years, she could already explain the complex causes of malnutrition and stunting: not only limited food resources, but also child marriage, lack of nutrition knowledge, and unequal gender roles that prioritized boys over girls.

Leading change in her community

In 2016, just after finishing primary school, Ningsi was exposed to a harrowing case of sexual violence: a 10-year-old girl was raped by a man in his forties. Witnessing the process firsthand as part of the Village Child Protection Group (KPAD), Ningsi realized how ignorance of child protection laws left children vulnerable. That case deepened her resolve to ensure such tragedies would never happen again.

Her leadership journey grew from there. In 2019, she was officially appointed Chair of the Village Child Protection Group, and two years later, she became head of Enonapi’s Youth Health Post. Unlike typical health posts that serve only infants, this initiative focused on adolescents, educating them about nutrition, reproductive health, and the dangers of child marriage.

For married teens, Ningsi emphasized assertiveness and the importance of proper nutrition for their children. She and her peers also promoted local food solutions—turning bananas, cassava, and mung beans into nutritious meals. Through these efforts, her village saw improvements in both knowledge and child health.

Convincing young people to join was not always easy, but with the backing of the village head and local churches, attendance steadily grew. About 50 adolescents regularly take part, engaging in open dialogues about their challenges. For those hesitant to speak publicly, Ningsi offers private conversations. Recently, she counseled a couple who faced cyberbullying after posting their photos online, reminding them to protect their personal information and be mindful of digital risks.

Despite her young age, Ningsi has become a powerful advocate for girls in her community—proving that knowledge, courage, and compassion can break cycles of violence and inequality.