UNAIR NEWS – International Women鈥檚 Day is celebrated on March 8th. This special celebration for women aims to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, as well as the ongoing struggle of women to achieve gender equality and women鈥檚 rights worldwide.
In line with this commemoration, Dr. Pinky Saptandari, Dra., M.A., a Gender Studies lecturer at the Department of Anthropology, FISIP UNAIR, and a women鈥檚 empowerment advocate, shares her views on women and equality.
According to the Ministry of Women鈥檚 Empowerment and Child Protection, as of January 2024, there were 3,267 cases of violence against women. Unfortunately, issues related to women鈥檚 rights still have not seen significant resolution. Moreover, there is still stigma and discrimination against victims of violence; the lack of women鈥檚 involvement in leadership positions and decision-making; the double burden of household and formal work on women; and unequal access. These factors undermine women鈥檚 negotiating power in their daily existence.
Furthermore, there are deeply rooted gender stereotypes in society, such as views that limit women鈥檚 roles and potential, as well as the objectification of women in media and popular culture. Due to the complexity of these issues, Pinky emphasizes the importance of Women鈥檚 Day to embrace inclusivity and advocate for the fulfillment of women鈥檚 rights.
鈥淐onsidering the international conventions, ratifications, and derivative rules stemming from global issues raised by the United Nations, it鈥檚 very important and relevant,鈥 she said.
However, only a few people truly understand the value of International Women鈥檚 Day. There are numerous issues related to women’s equality that need to be addressed and resolved promptly.
鈥淭he current challenge is the lack of critical awareness due to patriarchal hegemony and dominance, both in the domestic and public sectors. The digital era has not yet made gender issues a priority. Online-based gender harassment or violence continues to increase,鈥 Pinky added.
The gender equality journal contributor suggests that the International Women鈥檚 Day celebration is more than just an annual event. The realization of women鈥檚 rights should not only occur on March 8th, nor during Kartini Day or National Mother鈥檚 Day. Instead, every day is an opportunity to achieve equality for all women worldwide.
Therefore, Pinky advises women not to be afraid to take on roles in society. Start voicing empowered women鈥檚 narratives, and women鈥檚 achievements.
鈥淓ngage in organizations and strive to enhance your gender sensitivity,鈥 she said.
