Emanuella Malonda's Steep Journey in Fighting for Women's Rights: A Feminist Activist Who Struggles to Fight Against Intimidation

Feminist Activist's Experience in Fighting against Intimidation

Feminist Society - “A lawbreaker who wants to provide legal aid, want to atone for sins?” “Be careful when choosing a legal aid, if I'm not mistaken this woman has committed violence” — those are the intimidating words that Emanuella Malonda, — a Sulawesi Utara feminist activist, received when she fought for women’s rights while providing legal aid to a child who was a victim of rape.

The existence of these intimidating words stems from Emanuella's personal problems in the past, having been a victim of a toxic relationship with her ex-boyfriend who at that time was almost brought to the legal realm (it was completed peacefully). With this past incident, Emanuella became an easy target to be attacked as if she was portrayed as someone who had legal problems, so it was not appropriate to provide legal assistance. In fact, the problem had been resolved peacefully. The intimidating verbal attacks came from a group of men who were friends of Emanuella's ex-boyfriend and also suspected members of the Law Enforcement officer. The worst thing is that they were all men, which seems to illustrate how women have a very vulnerable status in our society.

The intimidation began with a case that Emanuella and her Law Firm were trying to handle. In January 2024, they were suddenly asked to be legal counsel in a case of sexual violence against children that occurred in an area in North Minahasa Regency. Where it is suspected that a minor was raped by 9 men.

Before Emanuella and her law firm handled the case, the case had actually been reported to the authorities. But unfortunately, the case was stalled in the process with various obstacles, so when Emanuella and her law firm handled the case, in March 2024 they ultimately decided to hold a press conference with the intention of being able to draw public attention to the case so that it could help the law enforcement process.

It is validated that with the press conference and the case being blown up in the media, the case became a boom and could become a public concern. The press conference finally bore fruit, where after the case boomed, the law enforcement process that had previously stalled became clear where the case process finally ran. From 9 alleged perpetrators, 1 has reached the trial stage of witness examination, 4 people (adults) are at the investigation stage, and 4 others (children) are still at the suspect determination stage. This shows the significant role of Emanuella and her team in helping the case progress.

But unfortunately, with the little bright spot, it does not mean that Emanuella and her law firm's steps in providing legal assistance can run smoothly. From the booming case, it turned out to end with Emanuella being verbally intimidated. Emanuella deeply regrets when there are people who want to fight for women's rights but receive discriminatory and intimidating treatment. Moreover, these actions were carried out by alleged law enforcement officers who in essence should provide good examples and should not provide intimidating remarks that are tinged with misogyny that are very detrimental to women.

With this, Emanuella felt that she had been discriminated against and even criminalized by the alleged law enforcement officers. In fact, in this case, Emanuella was doing a noble thing to fight for the rights of other women by providing legal aid. The incident left Emanuella devastated and even traumatized because her past problems were brought up again which actually had nothing to do with the case she was handling. At that time, she almost decided to withdraw and stop overseeing the case because she felt traumatized by the attacks. However, with the support of the people around her, Emanuella re-strengthened her determination and goal to continue to be on the front lines of the struggle in defending women's rights and protecting oppressed women.

Conditions such as the continued prevalence of gender bias, lack of public awareness regarding the importance of gender equality, and the vulnerability of women are things that motivate Emanuella to continue to actively voice and fight for women's rights with the aim that people around her can be helped and educated.

You can also read: Revealing Ika Lailatun Nikmah's Struggle in Pursuing Higher Education: Challenges for Javanese Women in Accessing Education

In an interview session with the Feminist Society team, Emanuella hopes that more people will understand the importance of gender equality, both the government and society in general. Then Emanuella also hopes that in the future more youth will be involved and moved to fight for women's rights. In addition, Emanuella hopes that cases such as sexual violence against women, femicide, and so on can decrease in Indonesia in general and in North Sulawesi in particular.

In that session, we also agreed on two things. First, the Feminist Society will remain firm in supporting all movements that fight for women's rights, therefore the Feminist Society strongly condemns any acts of intimidation against those who fight for women's rights. Second, we agreed to continue to work together and coordinate between Emanuella and her law firm with the Feminist Society in voicing and fighting for the rights of women and those who are oppressed. Where if in the future there are developments in related issues, both parties will continue to coordinate with each other.

Feminist Society also encourages law enforcers who handle all stages of the law enforcement process in the related case to be able to have a more victim and human rights perspective so that the case can be clarified. This is in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence which mandates that investigators, public prosecutors, and judges who handle cases of sexual violence must have the competence to handle cases from a human rights and victim perspective.

If you have any case related to gender equality or feminist issues and you need either advocacy assistance, counseling, support for campaign media, or some kind of that, feel free to contact us by this section. All of those things are free, you do not need to pay anything, it is our commitment to promote progress in gender equality and women’s rights through education and advocacy.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram            : @feministsociety.id

Email                   : fem.official7@gmail.com

 

Revealing Ika Lailatun Nikmah’s Struggle in Pursuing Higher Education: Challenges for Javanese Women in Accessing Education

Women's Struggle in Pursuing Higher Education

Feminist Society - Questions and statements such as “Why do women go to college” and “Women don’t need to go to college, because men will feel inferior” are common things heard by Ika Lailatun Nikmah (familiarly called Ela) who grew up in a neighborhood that still views women as only having 3 tasks, namely masak, macak, and manak (cooking, dressing up, and giving birth to children). These views are a challenge for her in achieving higher education.

Ela is the first daughter born into a simple Javanese family, where getting an education up to college is the most expensive dream. Since she was a teenager, Ela has often seen how women in her area are considered less equal and do not have the same opportunities to access higher education as men. Ela sees a misconception in society that seems to place the right to education only for men. This is certainly contrary to the mandate of the constitution, where every citizen has the right to receive an education as mandated by Article 31 paragraph  (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.

In her area, women are also often considered troublesome if they intend to continue their studies to college because the family must pay for their studies. Even worse, women in her area are often objectified as if they are used as a tool to improve the family's economy by being married to rich people.

This view is what strengthens Ela’s determination to continue her education to college in order to break the stereotype. Although at the beginning of the struggle to go to college, Ela faced many difficulties, such as parental blessing and also tuition fees. At first, her parents did not give her permission to continue college, where they thought that college was only for the upper middle class. So if she chose to go to college, her parents were worried that they would not be able to pay for her college until she finished, which would make the costs that had been spent also be in vain.

Based on these challenges, although in 2018 Ela had passed SPANPTKIN at one of the religious universities in Central Java, due to the very expensive tuition fees, she had to give up the campus and was willing to take a gap year to work in order to be able to finance her studies later.

At that time, Ela worked at a photocopy shop near her house for about 1 year. From that job she was able to save money to prepare for college fees and could meet other needs such as buying equipment needed in the college process later. In the second year, she decided to resign from her job and enroll in one of the religious colleges in Central Java. From that process, Ela was finally accepted at the campus with a KIP Kuliah scholarship that could fully finance her education and living expenses for 8 semesters of college.

Ela proved her efforts that women cannot be underestimated, even in her educational journey, she gave a very good record. She completed her studies in 3.5 years with Cum Laude predicate GPA 3.80 out of 4.00. In the process of her studies, Ela was a student who was active in organizations and participated in various competitions at the local, national, and international levels. She was able to balance her academic and non-academic affairs during her studies.

In fact, she once made an extraordinary achievement when she and her team participated in the Student Creativity Program (PKM) in Entrepreneurship in 2021. Where they made an innovation in transferring carved media onto fabric in the form of a hijab with a typical Jepara carved motif decorated with a quote from R.A Kartini's letter in the book "Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang". This innovation succeeded in getting them a grant and was successfully registered as Intellectual Property Rights by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia.

Currently, Ela is doing an internship at one of the institutions on her campus, while continuing to hone her skills in writing. In 2024, Ela successfully published a journal on the perspective of gender equality published in the Journal of Gender and Social Inclusion Studies. Apart from scientific works, she is also active in writing short stories and poems which she often publishes on Wattpad and Blog.

From this incredible journey, it finally led Ela to become the first graduate in her family. Ela managed to prove to her parents that education is important and with knowledge we can change the situation. As the hadith narrated by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi:

"Indeed, the Prophets did not pass on dinars and dirhams, in fact, they only passed on knowledge, whoever has taken it, has taken a large portion".

You can also read: ARN’s Journey Goes Beyond the Comfort Zone: From A Teenage Who Received Verbal and Physical Bullying to Becoming A Career Woman Who Is the Backbone of the Family

Ela always advises women out there who are trying to achieve their dreams to never give up easily in achieving their dreams and continuing their education. "Dreams will never fail, they just look for the right time and wait for us to be ready" — said Ela.

Ela’s extraordinary journey in proving herself, in breaking the stigma of women is a movement for women's emancipation that must continue to be voiced and continue to be an example for all women out there. That education is everyone's right regardless of whether they are male or female. Women must have equal access to education. Hopefully, Ela’s struggle in continuing her studies to college will continue to echo in every corner of the inner eyes of other women.

In our section with Ela, we finally agreed on several crucial things, where Feminist Society will always support her and we also agreed to collaborate in the future in advocating and voicing the right to education for women.

If you have any case related to gender equality or feminist issues and you need either advocacy assistance, counseling, support for campaign media, or some kind of that, feel free to contact us by this section. All of those things are free, you do not need to pay anything, it is our commitment to promote progress in gender equality and women’s rights activism through education and advocacy.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram            : @feministsociety.id

Email                  : fem.official7@gmail.com

Catcalling: A Form of Sexual Harassment

 Nindy J. Bachtiar

Catcalling is a form of sexual harassment.

Feminist Society - Have you ever been in a public place such as on the street, on public transportation, and so on, and received unpleasant treatment with the intention of lowering your dignity such as whistling, teasing, and various other comments from the opposite sex? This is known as catcalling. Nowadays, cases of catcalling are increasingly rampant and increasing in society, even many of us normalize it on the grounds that it is just a joke and not a form of sexual violence, in fact it is a form of sexual violence that is classified as non-physical sexual harassment.

In Article 4 paragraph (1) of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence, it is explained that one form of sexual violence is non-physical sexual harassment. Then in Article 5 of the a quo Law, it is further explained that anyone who commits a non-physical sexual act aimed at the body, sexual desire, and/or reproductive organs with the intention of degrading a person's dignity and honor shall be punished for non-physical sexual harassment, with a maximum imprisonment of 9 months and/or a maximum fine of ten million rupiah.

Understanding Catcalling

Terminologically, Catcalling is a term used to describe when someone makes unsolicited comments, whistles, or gestures, often of a sexual nature, towards another person, usually on the street. While some might dismiss it as harmless or playful, catcalling is a form of sexual harassment that can have serious impacts on the victim. Catcalling often involves strangers making loud comments or noises directed at someone passing by. These comments are typically sexual and objectifying, focusing on the person’s appearance. For example, a man might whistle at a woman walking down the street or shout remarks about her body.

Why is Catcalling Harmful?

1.       Unwanted Attention

Catcalling is unwanted and unsolicited. It can make the person being targeted feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and violated. Victims tend to feel uncomfortable when they receive catcalling, especially from strangers they do not know.

2.       Power and Control

Catcalling is often about exerting power over the other person. It can make the victim feel powerless and objectified, reducing them to mere objects of sexual desire rather than respecting them as individuals.

3.       Fear and Anxiety

Repeated experiences of catcalling can lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. Victims may start to avoid certain streets, change their clothing, or even feel unsafe in public spaces. Even worse, catcalling can cause mental health problems.

The Impact on Victims

Many victims of catcalling report feeling a range of negative emotions, from annoyance and discomfort to fear and trauma. Over time, the constant barrage of unwanted attention can take a toll on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. It can affect their self-esteem and their ability to feel safe in their own community.

You can also read: Forced Marriage: A Violation of Human Rights

What Can Be Done?

1.       Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about the harmful effects of catcalling is crucial. Educating people about what constitutes sexual harassment and why it is unacceptable can help change attitudes and behaviors. By knowing exactly what it is not supposed to be will drive people’s perception not to normalize catcalling.

2.       Speak Up

If you witness catcalling, consider speaking up. Letting the harasser know that their behavior is not acceptable can make a difference. However, it’s important to do so in a way that does not put anyone at risk.

3.       Support the Victim

If you know someone who has been a victim of catcalling, offer them support. Listen to their experiences and validate their feelings. Encourage them to report the harassment if they feel comfortable doing so.

4.       Active Role of Law Enforcement Officers

The law enforcement officers must be alert in taking action when there are reports. In addition, they must also take the perspective of the victim so that they do not take catcalling lightly. According to the report from ActionAid in 2018, 68% of women worldwide who have been sexually harassed have not reported it to the police since the police tend to regard it as a trivial matter. These statistics show how sexual harassment is seen as normal, part of everyday life, and that women fear they won't be taken seriously if they report it. It is part of a spectrum of violence against women and girls that holds them back and prevents them from achieving their potential. Therefore, there should be an active role by law enforcement officers to take catcalling into consideration as a serious crime.

Conclusion

Catcalling is not just a harmless compliment; it is a form of sexual harassment that can have serious consequences for the victim. By understanding the impact of catcalling and taking steps to address it, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone. It is time to move beyond dismissing these behaviors and recognize them for what they are unacceptable and harmful.

If you are interested in issues related to gender equality and in-depth discussion about feminism, let's join with Feminist Society. Feminist Society aims to promote progress in gender equality and women’s rights activism through education and advocacy. To get related articles, please visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

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View More:

The Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence.

https://www.alittlebithuman.com/what-is-catcalling/

https://www.actionaid.org.uk/blog/voices/2018/04/11/catcalling-not-a-joke-not-a-compliment-its-harassment