Last updated: 27 Apr 2026 | 15 Views |
Women’s Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving
Makaila Haifa Presenting: Mishka Project X UNHCR to Commemorate International Women’s Day 2026
Jakarta, Indonesia – 24 April 2026 – In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, and to celebrate the achievement of Mishka Project Batch V participants, Mishka Project is honored to collaborate with UNHCR Indonesia in a series of activities highlighting the strength, resilience, and potential of refugee women under the theme “Women’s Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving.”
On this occasion, Mishka Project presented a trunk show (mini fashion show) featuring six (6) refugees women and one (1) women muse from India, Revathi Prabaharan. The refugees participants came from conflict-affected countries and are currently living temporarily in Indonesia, namely Adian A.M Al-Fartthoosi and Aswar Khalid Saad from Iraq, Fathiya W.J Kheira from Palestine, as well as Asma Omar Mohammad and Amal Abdikadir Boor from Somalia.
In addition, fashion painting works in the form of bags, clothes, and scarves created by Mishka Project participants were also showcased. These pieces can be found at the booths located in the venue area (Padang Room 2, The Westin Hotel Jakarta) and are available for purchase as a way to support the empowerment of refugee women.
These works are contributions from another group of refugees participants, including Esthar Kayalvili Kamaleswaran from Sri Lanka, as well as Shakila Gulzari, Fariba Maqsudi from Afganistan, Sakina Alizada from Afganistan, and Suhaila Ahmadi from Afghanistan, alongside Revathi Prabaharan as the muse of Mishka Project Batch V.
During the Mishka Project Batch V, all participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their completion of the program. Special awards were also presented, including Best Model, awarded to Amal Abdikadir Boor from Somalia, and Best Painting, awarded to Esther Kayalvii from Sri Lanka.
The program features a dynamic combination of creative showcases and dialogue sessions:
Trunk Show – MISHKA Project Showcase
A highlight of the event, the trunk show will present new collections from Makaila Haifa with refugee women from Mishka Project batch 5 modeling workshop as models.
Talk Show Series
Two panel discussions will address key issues surrounding women’s empowerment and protection:
Panel 1: Women’s Empowerment explores pathways toward leadership, inclusion, and sustainable futures. There are 3 speakers for the first panel:
Speaker 1: Representative from UN women (TBC)
Speaker 2: Mariam Yousufi - Manager of Beyond the Fabric, a Women-Led Organization
Anissa, female coach from Cisarua Refugee Shotokan Karate Club (CRSKC), a Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) under the UNHCR Indonesia Sport Program 2026
Panel 2: Access to Justice and Protection for Women examines challenges and solutions related to protection systems, legal access, and rights for women, particularly in displacement context. There are 2 speakers for the second panel:
Speaker 1: Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA): Ms.Margareth Robin Korwa, SH, MH
Speaker 2: Refugee paralegal representative (SUAKA)
Bazaar
Through this showcase, participants presented fashion pieces developed through continuous training and mentorship. More than just a fashion show, this event serves as a symbol of empowerment, courage, and a platform for refugee women to express their identity, creativity, and their ability to rise, heal, and adapt from the challenges they have faced.
Through this collaboration, UNHCR Indonesia and Makaila Haifa aim to foster greater understanding, strengthen partnerships, and mobilize support for initiatives that enable women to move beyond survival toward thriving, sustainable futures.
The collaboration between Mishka Project and UNHCR Indonesia has been established since 2021, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting self-reliance, skills development, and social inclusion for refugee women in Indonesia. Through a fashion and creative economy-based approach, this initiative aims to create new opportunities and strengthen the role of refugee women as agents of change within their communities.
As part of the empowerment program, participants previously underwent an intensive three-month training program from January to March 2026. Mishka Project facilitated modeling training by engaging professional instructors from Look Inc., one of the leading modeling schools in South Jakarta.
Meanwhile, to equip participants with creative skills such as fashion drawing and fashion painting, Mishka Project facilitated professional teacher from fashion schools in Jakarta.
The media are invited to attend and cover the event. Please note that this press release is under embargo until the conclusion of the event on 24 April 2026 at 5:00 PM WIB.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[Hendrik C. Therik - Assistant Protection Officer UNHCR Indonesia]
therikh@unhcr.org
+6281339000375
[Katherine Sumartonjo – Senior Communications Assistant UNHCR Indonesia]
Sumarton@unhcr.org
+6281181264455
[Ozy – Public Relation Makaila Haifa]
+6281296616460
About UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.
About Mishka Project
Mishka Project is a social initiative launched by Makaila Haifa, focusing on empowering refugee women in Indonesia through fashion as a medium for education, skills development, and mental and psychological support.
Through the Mishka Project, refugee women not only gain valuable skills for their future but also build confidence, social connections, and access to support systems during their life transitions.
About Makaila Haifa
Makaila Haifa is a modest fashion brand founded in 2018 and based in Jakarta and Singapore. The brand was created as a symbol of strong, empowered women who uplift those around them. Makaila Haifa offers a range of products including abayas, casual wear, workwear, scarves, and women’s bags.
The name Makaila Haifa is derived from the founder’s two daughters, symbolizing a personal dedication following her journey as a single parent. Today, Makaila Haifa continues to grow while actively initiating various social projects focused on empowering women, particularly refugee women in Indonesia.
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