Kartini's spirit<\/p>\n
The commemoration of Kartini Day, April 21, reminds us of the
\ngreat Indonesian lady Raden Adjeng Kartini, whose letters made
\nher an important symbol for the Indonesian independence movement
\nand for Indonesian feminists. In her letters, Kartini, who was a
\nJavanese noblewoman, expressed concern over the plight of
\nIndonesians under colonial rule and over the restricted roles
\nopen to Indonesian women. She also resolved to make her life a
\nmodel for emancipation. The publication of her letters under the
\ntitle Door duisternis tot licht (From darkness to light) made her
\na popular symbol, and her birthday was made a national day.<\/p>\n
Until now, the people and leaders of this nation are
\nenormously influenced by Kartini's aspiration. Her brilliant
\nideas continuously generate support for the progress of
\nIndonesian women, which is, for example, clearly seen in the
\neffort of the Indonesian Women's Congress, which worked hard to
\nimprove women's situation through the empowerment of women and
\nthe abolition of gender inequalities; to combat illiteracy among
\nwomen; combat polygamy; and to struggle in the cause of equality
\nof work and in marriage as well as for emancipation.<\/p>\n
To answer the burgeoning interest in feminism, many NGOs
\ndealing in women's issues were established, including the
\nAssociation of Indonesian Women for Justice, the Foundation of
\nIndonesian Women and Women's Solidarity of Human Rights.<\/p>\n
Now, apparently, women enjoy equality and have the right as
\nwell as liberty to develop themselves in many fields. The
\nemergence of numerous women's organizations here has been
\nproviding special fora for women's aim in social and political
\narenas. Women continue fighting for their rights to access
\npolitical power. The number of female students in universities is
\nincreasing. As we all know, there are three women appointed as
\nministers to the seventh cabinet, which shows an improvement over
\nthe previous cabinet, which had only two.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Indonesian women still face various obstacles
\nand social impediments. For example, the small number of women in
\nthe House of Representatives clearly reflects the gender
\ninequalities in the nation's political scene, which has placed
\nwomen as subordinate members of society.<\/p>\n
Despite women's long struggle for emancipation, most are still
\ndiscriminated against and treated as the second sex. Inequality
\nbetween men and women exists everywhere. We can count on our
\nfingers the number of Indonesian women holding politically
\nimportant position, such as director generals of ministries.<\/p>\n
We should continuously realize Kartini's ambition. Women
\ndeserve a place, whether in politics, business or other areas.
\nWomen have little right to form opinions, to make important
\ndecisions, including policies, and to achieve top-level
\npositions.<\/p>\n
They should take up more and more rights and perform equally
\nwell with their male counterparts. Women must eliminate problem-
\nbehavior patterns and develop new, more productive ones because
\nthe biggest obstacle is actually the women themselves.<\/p>\n
It is imperative to eliminate social values that place women
\nin subordinate positions to men. It is important that women
\nimprove their knowledge, skills, capabilities and talents in
\norder to be able to compete and to accomplish well in society,
\nespecially now, in the globalization era. Make Kartini's dream
\ncome true! Keep up Kartini's spirit!<\/p>\n
LYNDA SOETITO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kartinis-spirit-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }