Feminist movement can learn from U.S.<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian feminist movement can learn a
\nthing or two from the American experience which is already well
\nahead, it was concluded yesterday during a discussion.<\/p>\n
Speakers and participants at a meeting to discuss the book
\nBorn for Liberty: A History of Women in America by American
\nauthor Sara M. Evans yesterday agreed that the book is precious
\nreading for feminists and scholars.<\/p>\n
\"It's time that we improve the status of women in Indonesia,\"
\nsaid author and senior journalist Mochtar Lubis.<\/p>\n
\"The book can provide comparative data and needs to be studied
\nfurther,\" said Mochtar, who chairs the Indonesian Obor Foundation
\nwhich published the Indonesian translation of the two-volume
\nbook.<\/p>\n
Saparinah Sadli, coordinator of Women Studies Program at the
\nUniversity of Indonesia, said Indonesian women could learn
\nsomething from the American experience.<\/p>\n
\"For example, Indonesians can start to question whether the
\npassive woman stereotype is truly Indonesian,\" Saparinah said.<\/p>\n
The discussion, organized by the United States Information
\nService, was held at the American embassy. Besides Saparinah,
\nDr. Tuty Heraty Noerhadi, professor of philosophy and the dean of
\nthe Jakarta Art Institute, was also invited to give her
\nimpression of Born for Liberty, which tells about the history of
\nAmerican women, of all races, including native Americans.<\/p>\n
Independent role<\/p>\n
Saparinah said that according to Evans, the native American
\nwomen had an active and independent role in their community, such
\nas choosing the tribal head. Their role, however, decreased after
\nthe Europeans immigrated and introduced their values to the
\nnatives, that women were subordinate to men.<\/p>\n
\"The history of the American women is very precious for
\nIndonesian women. Thus, we will not repeat their mistakes,\" said
\nSri Koesdijantinah, the translator of the book.<\/p>\n
Sri said she disagrees with the feminist movement which tries
\nto make women masculine. \"It denies the female nature.\"<\/p>\n
Mochtar, however, voiced out his call for Indonesian women to
\nfollow the strong will, shown by their peers in America.<\/p>\n
\"The American women even participate in a traditionally male
\nactivity, such as weight lifting. They thought `If men can do it,
\nwe can do it.' This kind of determination is still lacking in
\nIndonesian women,\" Lubis said.<\/p>\n
Tuty acknowledges that there are two sides in the women's
\nmovement. One favors the feminine women, as shown by the local
\nlady magazines, Femina or Dewi, while the other desires the
\n\"superwomen\".<\/p>\n
The Indonesian feminists, however, should aim at harmony, said
\nTuty. \"If the book is written in Indonesian, the title will be
\nBorn for Harmony, instead of Born for Liberty.\"<\/p>\n
\"Most of the history books are written by men. Hopefully,
\nthese books can tell about \"her-story\" and replace \"his-story,\"
\nsaid Kathleen J. Brahney, assistant of press attache and
\npublications officer at the Embassy. (18)<\/p>",
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