Women's roles need redefenition: Activist

JAKARTA (JP): Activists are championing redefinition of women's social, psychological and political roles as crucial in shaping the "New Indonesia" of the reform era.

Speaking in a one-day seminar on women's roles in society, Toety Herati Noerhadi and Karlina Leksono of Voices of Concerned Mothers described marked changes in the patterns of women's political and social participation since the start of the reform movement last year.

"We are moving toward a new phase in this nation. We all want a new Indonesia which is far more democratic and prosperous," Karlina said.

"Women are the core of a nation... but many here do not realize that they possess such great roles as mothers, students, scholars or workers."

Women's roles must be redefined to ensure they are not trapped in ones foisted upon them by patriarchal society, she added.

"The reform era is the right time to show that women are not 'subordinate' and their roles in handling the crisis will contribute to ... this nation."

She recounted how women's groups provided goods and medical aid to students in their movement against Soeharto's New Order regime.

"Women are also heroes during this crisis. Mothers are the ones who have to shoulder the burden when their husbands are laid off.

"Mothers have to struggle to put food on the table for the children. They are the backbones of their families during the crisis."

Unwittingly, contemporary women have been involved in bringing about other changes in their roles, Karlina said.

"For instance, mothers no longer only wait for the husbands to provide for the families ... they create their own mechanism to survive the crisis.

"Mothers in riot-torn Ambon or Aceh become protectors for their families and children, even though they have to face the risks of being abused or raped."

Toety denounced the male-dominated social system which "incarcerated" women in defined roles, ideas and rights.

Wives of public officials, she said, joined the organization Dharma Wanita to further their husbands' careers and ensure themselves benefits of a materialistic lifestyle.

She said the women lost out in not fully using their skills.

"They are busy talking about fashions rather than other crucial matters such as education, economic or sociopolitical issues... when actually with their talent and ability they can make a change."

Women involved in such organizations have been manipulated by the New Order regime into serving as mere political machines for the ruling Golkar, she said.

"Now the situation has changed. Women, wake up and start caring about what happens in this country ... "

Saturday's session was held in conjunction with the first anniversary of the founding of Voices of Concerned Mothers. Featured were noted women activists such as Gadis Arivia, Tini Hadad, Kartini Sjahrir, Wardah Hafidz and Myra Diarsi. (edt)