'Women must perceive themselves equal'

'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