'Women must perceive themselves equal'

In observance of International Women's Day on March 8, women renewed their fight against discrimination in politics, business and education, and domestic violence. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about the issue.

Ahmad Safrudin, 35, is a staff member of a non-governmental organization. He lives in Citayam, Bogor:

The fact is, there are still many women who agree with the idea that they are just the "other sex" or second-class citizens. That is why the campaign for gender equality never met with success, although it has been going on for a long time.

In my opinion, how a man treats a woman very much depends on how the woman views herself. If she still believes in the myth, that means she is discriminating against herself.

Women must see themselves as equal to men. They must not ask for charity. An example is, if a woman wants to become a member of the legislature, they must fight for it and not ask for a quota from men.

Mariana, 56, is a housewife. She lives with her husband and children in Duren Tiga area, South Jakarta:

Recently, one of my daughters told me that women could never be themselves. She said: When I was born I was the property of my father, when I was married I became the property of my husband. Later, I will be the property of my sons.

She is right to some extent, but I think I'm a good wife and mother. Even when I take the blame for everything that goes wrong I still consider that I have failed to do my duty. It's not domestic violence. Sometimes I show them that I have teeth and claws as well.

-- The Jakarta Post