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