Feminist movement can learn from U.S.
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)