The Story of DEEP EnGender
DEEP EnGender was born from the journey of two Indonesian doctoral students in Thailand, Anna Christi Suwardi and Sadar Ginting, who shared a common passion: transforming academic research into real action for vulnerable communities. While actively engaged in academic and cultural activities within the Indonesian Student Association, they discovered a shared commitment to bridge scholarship and community empowerment.
Sadar came from the field of Public Health, where his research focused on food security among marginalized ethnic groups in Indonesia—such as the Karonese, whose livelihoods were disrupted by the eruption of Mt. Sinabung, and the Indigenous Suku Anak Dalam, who continue to face the impacts of deforestation. Meanwhile, Anna’s doctoral work in International Relations centered on women’s groups in conflict-affected areas in Southeast Asia, grounding her expertise in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Through this exchange of perspectives, they realized that ecological crises and humanitarian struggles are deeply interconnected. Addressing these issues required not only academic knowledge but also collaborative, community-rooted action. Drawing from Anna’s long-standing engagement with the Global DEEP Network, she invited Sadar to co-initiate a new circle under the Network’s umbrella.
In late 2022, their ideas reached Prof. Dr. Alberto G. Gomes, founder of the Global DEEP Network, whose insights and encouragement helped refine the vision. After months of dialogue, the name “EnGender” was chosen. The word conveys to generate, to give rise, to nurture. Its distinctive capitalization highlights Gender at the core of the organization, emphasizing gender justice as both an identity and a philosophical perspective.
DEEP EnGender has grown into a registered non-profit organization committed to advancing peace and gender justice, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable food systems. What began as a conversation between two doctoral students has evolved into a platform that bridges research, community voices, and collaborative action—fueled by the belief that inclusive and ecological futures can only be built together.
Roots
DEEP's philosophy is rooted in the wisdom of indigenous and traditional cultures. Many of these cultures are close to Mother Nature and value empathy, peacefulness and nonviolence. We believe that there are rich lessons in such cultures that offer alternative perspectives for living in these troubled times and building a more equitable, inclusive, socially just, and ecologically wise communities. Also constituting the bedrock of our vision, values, and ventures is the scholarly work in decolonial and critical studies and political and peace ecology. As the word radical is etymologically related to roots, we seek to be 'truly radical' which the critical philosopher, Raymond Williams has affirmed is ‘…to make hope possible, rather than despair convincing.’
Tree
The symbol of DEEP is the tree of life. As Marc Nebot, the designer of our logo, explains the tree of life is “a symbol of life renewing itself, transforming itself. Peacefully. It is a symbol of dynamic connection with our surroundings. A circle of vitality. Yet the tree is not perfect. It is beautiful in its imperfect aspects as the imperfect peaces are. It grows from inside the earth and stands tall as nature´s poetry, dancing to the winds. Its branches and nodes expand, each on its own rhythm, always in relation to the others, always deeply interconnected. Beyond a mere image of a tree, it is an abstract symbol that invites reflection. With its branches and roots connected in a circle it offers a subtle reference to the tree of life. In the under part of the circle, in yellow, the lines are closer and follow a more uniform direction, referring to the roots, just like the basis of a tree must be strong. As our tree grows and reaches out, it gains blue tones, and the lines flow more freely in the in the shape of branches and nodes, towards the sky. In its whole we can interpret it as a mosaic. A pangaea made of different territories that though irregular make a whole, no matter the proportions and shape.
Forest
Inspired by the DEEP Network’s forest, symbolizing diversity, solidarity, and interconnectedness. Just as a forest thrives through the mutual support of countless beings - trees , plants, birds, insects, and unseen roots - DEEP EnGender embodies the same spirit of collaboration, complementarity, and regeneration. The forest reminds us that every element, whether large or small, plays a role in sustaining life. In the same way, DEEP EnGender grows as a community of circles, youth, women, Indigenous peoples, and allies, interwoven to support one another and to nurture inclusive action. We are focused on a vision of a peaceful, decolonial, and ecologically regenerative world, inspired by the onto-epistemologies of Indigenous peoples and guided by values of gender justice, inclusivity, and ecological wisdom. Like a forest, we are dynamic, vibrant, and abounding, rooted in care and constantly regenerating through shared knowledge and solidarity.
Cooperative and Collaborative
Cooperation is a means and end to our work, which diverges from the competitiveness widely promoted as part of a neoliberal agenda. Values of cooperation and collaboration infuse relations among DEEP EnGender members, with partner communities and local stakeholders, and with other civil society organizations and NGOs, Indigenous peoples, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, intergovernmental organizations such as the UN, and state entities as we engage in joint projects of dialogue, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding.
Inclusive
Anyone with a project that fulfils the objectives and values of the circle is welcome to join, participate, and seek support. This inclusive approach generates a wide network of individuals, communities, and organizations, all working towards a peaceful and ecologically regenerative world.
Egalitarian
While the circle has a leadership team consisting of Circle Initiator and Chairperson, each member of the circle is among equals. Decisions pertaining to the circle’s policies and activities are made collectively and consensually.
Culturally & Ecologically Sensitive
Cultural sensitivity is fundamental, especially since Circle projects are undertaken in diverse settings by intercultural teams. All projects include a culturally sensitive stakeholder engagement strategy to ensure the meaningful, effective and informed participation of stakeholders in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects. This helps avoid adverse impacts on the environment and human rights of people on the ground.