Women's roles need redefenition: Activist<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Activists are championing redefinition of
\nwomen's social, psychological and political roles as crucial in
\nshaping the \"New Indonesia\" of the reform era.<\/p>\n
Speaking in a one-day seminar on women's roles in society,
\nToety Herati Noerhadi and Karlina Leksono of Voices of Concerned
\nMothers described marked changes in the patterns of women's
\npolitical and social participation since the start of the reform
\nmovement last year.<\/p>\n
\"We are moving toward a new phase in this nation. We all want
\na new Indonesia which is far more democratic and prosperous,\"
\nKarlina said.<\/p>\n
\"Women are the core of a nation... but many here do not
\nrealize that they possess such great roles as mothers, students,
\nscholars or workers.\"<\/p>\n
Women's roles must be redefined to ensure they are not trapped
\nin ones foisted upon them by patriarchal society, she added.<\/p>\n
\"The reform era is the right time to show that women are not
\n'subordinate' and their roles in handling the crisis will
\ncontribute to ... this nation.\"<\/p>\n
She recounted how women's groups provided goods and medical
\naid to students in their movement against Soeharto's New Order
\nregime.<\/p>\n
\"Women are also heroes during this crisis. Mothers are the
\nones who have to shoulder the burden when their husbands are laid
\noff.<\/p>\n
\"Mothers have to struggle to put food on the table for the
\nchildren. They are the backbones of their families during the
\ncrisis.\"<\/p>\n
Unwittingly, contemporary women have been involved in bringing
\nabout other changes in their roles, Karlina said.<\/p>\n
\"For instance, mothers no longer only wait for the husbands to
\nprovide for the families ... they create their own mechanism to
\nsurvive the crisis.<\/p>\n
\"Mothers in riot-torn Ambon or Aceh become protectors for
\ntheir families and children, even though they have to face the
\nrisks of being abused or raped.\"<\/p>\n
Toety denounced the male-dominated social system which
\n\"incarcerated\" women in defined roles, ideas and rights.<\/p>\n
Wives of public officials, she said, joined the organization
\nDharma Wanita to further their husbands' careers and ensure
\nthemselves benefits of a materialistic lifestyle.<\/p>\n
She said the women lost out in not fully using their skills.<\/p>\n
\"They are busy talking about fashions rather than other
\ncrucial matters such as education, economic or sociopolitical
\nissues... when actually with their talent and ability they can
\nmake a change.\"<\/p>\n
Women involved in such organizations have been manipulated by
\nthe New Order regime into serving as mere political machines for
\nthe ruling Golkar, she said.<\/p>\n
\"Now the situation has changed. Women, wake up and start
\ncaring about what happens in this country ... \"<\/p>\n
Saturday's session was held in conjunction with the first
\nanniversary of the founding of Voices of Concerned Mothers.
\nFeatured were noted women activists such as Gadis Arivia, Tini
\nHadad, Kartini Sjahrir, Wardah Hafidz and Myra Diarsi. (edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/womens-roles-need-redefenition-activist-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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