Women are a group that is vulnerable to various stigmas. Stigmas attached to women since the past is weak, helpless, and dependent on men. As time goes on, the stigma is slowly being replaced. Currently, many inspiring women can live independently and can stand on their own feet. This is evidenced by the increasing number of women's participation in various fields, women also dare to make their own decisions, act firmly, be brave to express opinions, have self-confidence, and stand on their convictions. Women need to be independent in any way, such as career, love, finance, and so on. From this idea, the Kawara Panamung weaving group discussed the topic ‘Why do women need to be independent?’ by inviting Martha Hebi, a women activist, as the resource person (Wednesday, 28/09/2022).
At the beginning of the discussion, Martha Hebi asked the participants to learn about themselves first. She invited the participants with a question, about whether men and women were different. All participants simultaneously answered that men and women are different. She asked again, what is the difference? Mama Kalita Mboru firmly answered that the difference is that men make a living, and women take care of the household. Mama Yustina added that women conceive and breastfeed while men cannot. Other participants answered that women have long hair while men have short hair. Martha Hebi responded, "My husband has long hair but he is a man." Participants simultaneously responded by laughing. She found out that the participants did not understand the significant differences between women and men. Then she explained the meaning of nature, gender behavior, and their characteristics to them, so they were able to distinguish which was gender behavior and which was the nature of the Lord.
Martha then explained the importance of independent women, because one of the causes of gender inequality against women is that women are often seen as weak and can do nothing but as housewives. If women are dependent and only hope that men provide a living, they face difficulty getting their rights as women and become vulnerable to domestic violence (KDRT). She also emphasized that women should be financially independent because it can give women strength not to depend on other people, including parents or spouses. Mama Katrina Njoloa shared her experiences in her household life. She said that being an independent woman had attributed to her since she was in school because she had to earn money herself for school fees until she got married. She kept trying to become an independent woman because if she only depended on her partner, maybe none of her children can go to school because it is hard to meet the needs. Martha Hebi appreciated Katrina Njola's struggle. Martha Hebi suggested four points to live independently, namely using a priority scale, having your income, having savings, and understanding the importance of investments such as investing in gold, land, and property.
At
the end of the discussion, Martha emphasized the importance of women in organization. She appreciated the enthusiasm of
the women in Tanatuku Village who continue to work and empower together. The
existence of the Kawara Panamung weaving group will help women to
find a place to explore
and express their potencies, how to make woven fabrics an additional income. By being organized, women can achieve
common goals efficiently and effectively. Women are one of the important
subjects of life and are expected to give a sharing and to have the role in social life. Weaving group
is one of the efforts to
increase the role and function of women in various aspects of life to create
ideal conditions. Kawara Panamung, Lai Nyuta Yaa!! ***
(Lai Nyuta Yaa, Sumbanese expression to give support for achievement).
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