#807 Design Process for Learning Exchange Workshop

In this edition, I want to present the concept and process of a learning workshop called Asia Learning Exchange in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia.

The workshop will run for five days. The first two days will be spent building connections and learning more deeply about how women lead land sovereignty movements. Days three and four will focus on learning about women and movements in Colol and Komodo villages. On day five, we'll capture key learnings and design adaptations for women-led movements in each participant's home country.

Imagine standing on the land of Labuan Bajo. Beneath your feet is soil that has sustained generation after generation. However, for many women in Asia, land is not just property. Land is identity. Land is sovereignty.

To address this major challenge, Asia Learning Exchange 2026 is not designed as an ordinary seminar. We move with one complete philosophy we call: Head, Heart, and Hands.

First is Heart or Empathy. We start from the heart. Through the "Circle of Ancestors," we seek the blessings of our ancestors. Without emotional connection to land and history, our movement will not have strong roots.

Second is Head or Analysis. We don't just feel, we think. We use strategic analysis to dissect unjust power structures.

Third is Hands or Action. And finally, all of this must lead to hands that work. Real action in the field and commitment to change.

This is our vision for this gathering: to explore how when women lead movements for land rights security through sustainability and resilience in their communities.

Day One: Weaving Stories

The first day is about "Weaving Stories"—literally weaving narratives together. We enter into real lived experiences through two major dynamic sessions.

In the morning, we hold a Fishbowl session. An intimate circle in the center of the room where voices from the frontlines are heard clearly in two rounds:

First is The Frontlines of Struggle. Four women leaders share stories about "Politics and Law." How they navigate the complex bureaucratic maze to gain recognition for indigenous territories.

Second is The Economics of Resistance. Four more leaders share about "Economy and Social." How collective solidarity becomes an anchor for women to maintain their sovereignty.

Then, in the afternoon, the energy shifts to fast-paced and visual through Pecha Kucha. Sixteen partners, in four thematic groups, present their innovations. This is proof that the land rights movement continues to evolve with fresh and inclusive ideas.

Day Two: Deep Dive

After hearing the stories, on day two we enter the "Deep Dive" phase. We shift from empathy to sharp analysis.

We begin with a "Poster Gallery Walk." The room transforms into a data labyrinth where we dissect the anatomy of power using the APBC framework:

First is Access. Who is allowed to enter the land? Why and how?

Second is Participation. Whose voice is heard in decision-making forums? Why and how?

Third is Benefit. Who actually manages the proceeds and money from that land? Why and how?

Fourth is Control. And most crucially, who holds the final authority to decide the future of that asset? Why and how?

From the gallery, we move to "Policy Crossroads." Through World Café, we dissect macro-micro relationships. How big national policies often clash with village realities.

The culmination is discussing "The Women's Personas." We debate the struggle between Agency vs. Structure. We acknowledge the existence of "Structural Walls"—oppressive laws and systems—but we also celebrate "Agency," the extraordinary power of individual women and women's groups to break through those walls.

Theory from inside the room now goes to the field. This is when the "Hands" part gets to work. Participants will be divided into two large groups heading to the field.

In Colol, we do a Transect Walk through coffee plantations. We learn how division of labor reflects sovereignty values. We hear directly how Colol women control the economy from their forest products.

Then in Komodo, we talk about "Blue Sovereignty." How marine conservation policies affect women's access to food. We trace the value chain to see where women's bargaining position is strongest.

While in the field, we use "4 Windows of Observation": See the physical, Hear the voices, Feel the atmosphere, and Think about comparisons with your home country.

Day Five: Harvesting

Finally, we reach the "Harvesting" stage. We search for the "Red Thread"—the common thread connecting struggles in Nepal, India, and Indonesia.

We don't go home empty-handed. We do "Backcasting." A real action plan: What are 3 concrete steps you will take in your first 30 days back home?

This journey in Labuan Bajo and Flores proves one thing: women's leadership is the key to earth's sustainability.

We have united Heart to care, Head to analyze, and Hands to act. Because when women lead the way, they don't just carry a torch for themselves, they illuminate the path for all civilization.

That's the facilitation concept for the Asia Learning Exchange Workshop next month.