Abolish Dharma Wanita

Abolish Dharma Wanita

From Kompas

As an observer of women's affairs and their activities, I had talks with several members of Dharma Wanita, an organization of the wives of civil servants (PNS), on what to expect from it and what advantage they had gotten from it. On the basis of my close observation of this organization, and sufficient input from its members, I'd like to suggest that it be abolished permanently.

I have some good reasons for suggesting its abolition:

1. The present situation is different from the New Order times.

2. Today, many of the civil servants' wives are career women and, as such, are no longer interested in becoming members of Dharma Wanita.

3. This organization has declared itself independent, free from the influence of any political party, and its membership is voluntary in nature. Nevertheless, in practice, the wives of PNS supervisors still have the subordinates' wives, who are members of this organization, become actively involved in it although it is no longer popular.

I am of the opinion that those PNS' wives, including those who have chosen to be housewives, should be allowed to make their own choice of the activities they think are suitable for them to contribute to this country, instead of having to participate in Dharma Wanita's activities.

Accordingly, why should we maintain Dharma Wanita's existence? Should the PNS' wives wish to be active in an organization, let them wait, for one day there will be one that is suitable to their respective professions.

C. RASTIKA

Jakarta