The Importance of Paternity Leave in Promoting Gender Equality and Family Well-Being

Juneidi Coloay

Feminist Society - The issues about paternity leave have been widely discussed in Indonesia since the Draft Law on Maternal and Child Welfare in the First 1000 Days of Life was passed by the House of Representatives on June 4^th, 2024. In this Law, the fathers and families must accompany the mothers during the birthing process, therefore they have paternity leave rights as an effort to ensure the welfare of mothers and children in the first 1000 days and as a form of comprehensive child care between both parents. However, the paternity leave rights in the Law are regarded as suboptimal because the leave rights are more dominant in mothers than fathers. Thereby, it should be examined more deeply by the government with the involvement of all parties in order to be able to place an equality perspective in child care.

Paternity leave is a crucial policy that supports gender equality, strengthens family bonds, and promotes a more balanced division of childcare responsibilities. By allowing fathers to take time off work following the birth or adoption of a child, paternity leave encourages active fatherhood and helps dismantle traditional gender roles that often place the burden of child-rearing solely on mothers.

The benefits of paternity leave extend beyond the immediate family unit. It contributes to closing the gender gap in the workplace by normalizing the idea that both parents are equally responsible for childcare. This shift in perception can lead to more equitable career opportunities for women, as employers become less likely to discriminate based on potential maternity leave.

Moreover, paternity leave has been linked to positive outcomes for children’s development. Fathers who take paternity leave are more involved in their children’s lives, leading to better cognitive and social outcomes. This early involvement can foster stronger father-child relationships that last a lifetime.

Paternity leave is not just a period away from work; it’s an investment in family health, workplace equality, and societal progress. As such, it is essential for governments and employers to support and promote paternity leave policies that reflect the evolving dynamics of modern families.

However, it always faces difficulty these days to promote and normalize paternity leave in every field. There are several challenges that countries often face in implementing paternity leave.

1.       Legal Compliance

Ensuring businesses are ready for changes in paternity leave entitlements and comply with new regulations.

2.       Cultural Shifts

Overcoming traditional gender roles and encouraging fathers to take advantage of paternity leave benefits.

3.       Economic Considerations

Balancing the cost of providing paternity leave with the economic benefits it can bring to families and society.

4.       Workplace Integration

Adapting workplace policies to accommodate flexible paternity leave and support for returning employees.

Those challenges require a concerted effort from governments, employers, and society to create an environment where paternity leave is valued and supported. In addition, public awareness plays a significant role in promoting paternity leave uptake. By raising awareness about the benefits of paternity leave for children’s development, family well-being, and gender equality, society can shift towards more supportive attitudes for fathers taking leave.

Awareness campaigns can help dispel myths and stigmas associated with men taking time off for childcare, encouraging more fathers to take advantage of paternity leave policies. Additionally, public discourse on the topic can influence policy-making, leading to more favorable conditions for paternity leave uptake.

Educational initiatives and media coverage can also highlight successful stories of paternity leave, providing positive role models and demonstrating the practicality and benefits of such policies in real-life scenarios.

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 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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Email                   : fem.official7@gmail.com

View More:

https://www.lewissilkin.com/en/insights/statutory-paternity-leave-new-rules-from-april

https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/news/hr-policies-effective-6-april-2024

https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/statutory-paternity-leave-changes-april-2024/

https://www.thehrdirector.com/legal-updates/legal-updates-2024/latest-paternity-leave-regulations/

https://arbor.law/insights/paternity-and-maternity-leave-entitlements-2024/

https://www.hrlab.de/en/hr-lexicon/paternity-leave-2024

https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2024/06/14/paternity-leave-gaining-momentum-in-the-modern-workplace-to-drive-business-performance/

https://www.brabners.com/insights/employment/changes-to-paternity-leave-redundancy-protection-flexible-working-and-carers-leave-explained

https://harperjames.co.uk/article/changes-to-statutory-paternity-leave/

https://appartnership.co.uk/statutory-paternity-leave-changes-2024/

 

The Controversy of Female Genital Mutilations

 Juneidi Coloay

Feminist Society - Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, is a practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice is found in some countries of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and within their respective diasporas.

As of 2023, it is estimated that over 200 million girls and women in 31 countries, including Indonesia, Iraq, Yemen, and 27 African countries, have been subjected to one or more types of FGM. The procedure is typically carried out by a traditional circumciser using a blade, from days after birth to puberty and beyond. In half of the countries for which national statistics are available, most girls are cut before the age of five.

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women. The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life, in instances when the procedure results in death. In the context of Indonesia, those rights are guaranteed in various legal regulations such as the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the Human Rights Law, the Child Protection Law, and even the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) that Indonesia has been ratifying.

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly urges healthcare providers not to perform FGM. Treatment of the health complications of FGM is estimated to cost health systems US$ 1.4 billion per year, a number expected to rise unless urgent action is taken towards its abandonment.

FGM is classified into 4 major types:

1.       Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris) and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood.

2.       Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva).

3.       Known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.

4.       This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for instance pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.

In Indonesia, FGM is problematic and it has also become a debatable practice. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a complex issue with various reasons behind its practice, often deeply rooted in the cultural, social, and traditional norms of the societies where it is practiced. Here are some of the most frequently cited reasons:

Social Acceptance

FGM is often seen as a rite of passage into womanhood and is widely practiced to gain social acceptance. Families who don’t participate face ostracism and their daughters may be considered ineligible for marriage.

Religion

Although FGM is not endorsed by Islam or Christianity, religious texts are commonly deployed to justify it. It is one of the misconceptions that people believe to apply the FGM’s practices in the status quo.

Beauty and Cleanliness

Some cultures consider the female genitalia to be dirty and ugly and believe that they should be cut to appear clean and beautiful. This misunderstanding is also common to be found in almost FGM’s practices.

It’s important to note that these reasons are based on deep-seated gender inequalities and misconceptions, and the practice of FGM has been internationally recognized as a violation of human rights. Efforts are ongoing globally to educate communities about the harmful effects of FGM and to eradicate the practice.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) can have severe long-term health consequences affecting women’s physical, mental, and sexual health. The most common long-term health risks associated with FGM would be pain, infections, impaired wound healing, sexual health problems, urination problems, mental health problems, obstetric complications, and infertility.

It is important to note that all forms of FGM are associated with increased health risks in the short- and long-term. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly urges healthcare providers not to perform FGM.

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 through education and advocacy. To get related articles, please visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram            : @feministsociety.id

Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

View More:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation

https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation

https://www.unfpa.org/female-genital-mutilation

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-47131052

https://www.wvi.org/stories/facts-history-faqs-what-you-need-know-about-fgm

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/female-genital-mutilation

https://www.worldvision.org/child-protection-news-stories/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-facts

 

Gender Perspectives in Public Facilities Play An Important Role in Supporting Gender Equality

 Juneidi Coloay

Feminist Society – In the quest for gender equality, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the design and management of public facilities. A gender perspective in public facilities is not just about providing separate restrooms or changing rooms for different genders. It is about understanding and addressing the unique needs and experiences of all genders in the use of these facilities. Thereby, gender perspectives in public facilities come into play in supporting gender equality.

Understanding Gender Perspective

A gender perspective involves recognizing that men, women, and non-binary individuals may have different needs and experiences when it comes to public facilities. This could be due to biological differences, societal norms, or personal preferences. For instance, women may require sanitary bins in restrooms, parents may need changing tables for babies, and individuals with disabilities may need facilities that are accessible and easy to use.

Why is it Important?

Incorporating a gender perspective in public facilities is crucial for several reasons:

1.       Promotes Equality and Inclusion

By considering the unique needs of all genders, we can ensure that everyone has equal access to and can equally benefit from public facilities. If we take it into the Indonesian context, this also means that we have been running equality before the law principle that is enshrined in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. This is a fundamental aspect of social inclusion and gender equality.

2.       Enhances Safety and Comfort

Gender-sensitive facilities can enhance the safety and comfort of users. When there are special public facilities that are provided for specific purposes based on gender considerations, it can make people feel secure and comfortable. For example, well-lit and regularly maintained restrooms can help reduce the risk of harassment or violence.

3.       Reflects Diversity and Respect

A gender perspective in public facilities sends a powerful message that our society recognizes and respects diversity. It shows that we care about the needs and experiences of all members of our community.

In essence, according to the aforementioned reasons, incorporating a gender perspective in the design and management of public facilities is not just a matter of fairness or equality. It’s about creating spaces that are safe, comfortable, and accessible for everyone. As we continue to strive for gender equality, let’s not forget the important role that our public facilities play in this endeavor.

Remember, equality is not just about treating everyone the same; it’s about acknowledging our differences and ensuring that these differences do not become barriers to access and opportunity.

What Factors Should We Consider to Encourage Gender Perspective in Public Spaces?

Encouraging public spaces to adopt a gender perspective can be achieved through several strategies:

1.       Awareness and Education

The first step is to raise awareness about the importance of a gender perspective in public facilities. This could be done through campaigns, workshops, and seminars that highlight the benefits of gender-sensitive design. This also could be done by utilizing a digital platform to educate, advocate, socialize, and speak out loud regarding the importance of gender perspective in public facilities. Moreover, in today’s digital era, there are so many digital platforms that focus on gender equality issues. Feminist Society is one of the examples.

2.       Policy and Legislation

Governments can play a crucial role by implementing policies and regulations that mandate the consideration of gender perspectives in the design and management of public facilities. In Indonesia, the urban planning policies are relied on respective local governments. However, the problem is that Indonesia is an archipelago state where there are so many disparities among the cities. Therefore, we should strive to create development balance in every city.

3.       Funding and Resources

Provide funding and resources for the implementation of gender-sensitive designs in public facilities. This could be in the form of grants, incentives, or technical assistance.

4.       Partnerships

Collaborate with NGOs, community organizations, and private sector companies that are committed to promoting gender equality. These partnerships can help amplify efforts and reach a wider audience.

Remember, change often takes time and persistence. But with concerted effort and commitment, we can create public spaces that are inclusive, safe, and accessible for everyone.

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 three key aspects of gender equality and women’s rights activism: Law, Policy, and Advocacy through the provision of digital-based information. To get related articles, please visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram            : @feministsociety.id

Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

View More:

Samuel Dubin., et al. Public Restrooms in Neighborhoods and Public Spaces: a Qualitative Study of Transgender and Nonbinary Adults in New York City. Sexuality Research and Social Policy. Volume 18. Number 3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-020-00504-3.

Miaojing Wei. Boundaries of Transgender Access to Public Facilities in the United States. International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology. Volume 5. Number 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFS.2023.050113.

Michelle Amri. Equity and gender mainstreaming in public policy: A scoping review protocol. PLOS One. Volume 19. Number 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299124.

https://items.ssrc.org/just-environments/public-spaces-private-acts-toilets-and-gender-equality/

https://socialprotection-humanrights.org/framework/principles/gender-perspective/

 

Femicide Has Been Increasing in Indonesia, How Can We Deal With It?

Juneidi Coloay

Feminist Society – Recently, the many murder cases that have occurred in Indonesia have become a hot topic of conversation on social media. Moreover, the murder cases that occurred apparently involved women as victims. This condition is generally known as "Femicide".

Definition of Femicide

Nowadays, femicide has become an important global indicator of gender inequality and violence. Femicide is generally understood as a condition that involves the intentional murder of women due to power relations, but broader definitions of femicide include any killing of women or girls.

Current Cases

Femicide has been increasing and booming in Indonesian media portrayals in recent times. Where there have been several cases of femicide that have caused quite a stir in cyberspace:

1.       On Thursday 25 April 2024, the murder of a woman committed by her co-worker accompanied by the dumping of the victim's body in a suitcase was found on Inspeksi Kalimalang Street, Sukadanu Village, West Cikarang District, Bekasi Regency, West Java.

2.       On Friday 3 May 2024, a murder was committed by a husband against his wife, in Temboan Village, Maesaan District, South Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi.

3.       On Friday 3 May 2024, a woman from Bogor was killed by her male partner in the Kuta area, Badung Regency, Bali. The perpetrator killed the victim because he was emotionally asked to pay more for a commercial dating service.

4.       On Friday 3 May 2024, the sadistic murder of a woman occurred in Ciamis Regency, West Java. The victim was killed and mutilated by her own husband.

Legal Framework

According to Vienna Convention in 2012, femicide can take the form of, inter alia: (1) the murder of women as a result of intimate partner violence; (2) the torture and misogynist slaying of women; (3) killing of women and girls in the name of “honor”; (4) targeted killing of women and girls in the context of armed conflict; (5) dowry-related killings of women; (6) killing of women and girls because of their sexual orientation and gender identity; (7) the killing of aboriginal and indigenous women and girls due to their gender; (8) female infanticide and gender-based sex selection foeticide; (9) genital mutilation related deaths; (10) accusations of witchcraft; and (11) other femicides connected with gangs, organized crime, drug dealers, human trafficking and the proliferation of small arms.

The reasons why femicide happens are diverse, however the main factor is due to power relations between men and women. Thereby women’s rights are highly vulnerable to being neglected. The Indonesian laws have actually regulated diverse kind of legal actions to protect women from femicide phenomenon. Nonetheless, femicide is still hard to tackle as it has been growing in Indonesia at the end of the day.

What Should We Do?

Although we have strong and comprehensive regulations to protect women, but those are not enough to stop femicide cases. Therefore, there should be progressive steps by the government to overcome the femicide phenomenon in Indonesia.

1.       The Importance of Good Relationship

Women empowerment comes into play in building good relationships and avoiding toxic relationships either inside or outside the family circle. Women’s awareness of those things can help them to avoid acts of domestic violence, abuse by family members, as well as crimes in romantic relationships.

2.       Supportive Public Policy

There should be supportive public policy for women, as simple as public facilities which are special for women, children, pregnant, and those with disabilities. It could be like special train carriage, special bus station and so on. It could prevent and protect women from sexual harassment and multiple forms of sexual violence in public spaces.

3.       Active Role of External Parties

There needs to be an active role from related parties like making efforts to involve the mass media and public campaigns, providing psychological assistance, legal advice and support, as well as active and massive role from the police and other legal apparatus.

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 three key aspects of gender equality and women’s rights activism: Law, Policy, and Advocacy through the provision of digital-based information. To get related articles, please visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram            : @feministsociety.id

Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

View More:

https://itsagirlmovie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Vienna_Declaration_on_Femicide.pdf

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-08398-8_2

 

The Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers Must be Ratified

Juneidi Coloay

Feminist Society – There must be protection for domestic workers through representative regulations by an enactment of the Protection Domestic Workers Bill. The protection and fulfillment of domestic worker’s rights are one of the issues related to gender equality and women’s rights activism that must be fought for.

Historical Background

The Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers (Rancangan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Pekerja Rumah Tangga) is a vital step in protecting domestic worker’s rights in Indonesia. This draft law contains the protection of domestic workers and the fulfillment of their basic rights.

The Draft Law on PPRT was first proposed in 2004 and for almost two decades, this bill has not been promulgated. Although in 2023, President Joko Widodo conveyed that this bill had been included in the priority bill, but, until presently there have been no concrete steps regarding the progress of the bill.

It is hoped that the ratification of this bill will provide recognition and protection for domestic workers who have rights and obligations. Furthermore, this draft law is also aimed to build mutually humanizing situations and relationships, supporting and protecting each other between the domestic workers and employers.

In this bill, domestic workers are given the right to education and training. This is of paramount importance to improve the quality of life of workers and provide better opportunities for them.

However, even though this bill has been included in the priority list, there are still many challenges that must be faced. One of them is how to ensure that this bill can be passed and implemented properly to provide the proper protection for domestic workers.

Overall, the Draft Law on PPRT is an important step in efforts to protect domestic workers in Indonesia. With the passing of this bill, it is hoped that it will provide better protection for domestic workers and give them the rights they should have as workers.

The Urgency of the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers (RUU PPRT) towards Domestic Workers as One of the Feminist Issues

The Draft Law on PPRT is crucial and urgent to be discussed and passed. Here are some of the urgency of this bill:

State Recognition

The passing of this bill will certainly provide official recognition for domestic workers as workers who are entitled to state protection and recognition for their role in the national economy. This is also an affirmation that the profession as a domestic worker is a noble profession that is the same as other professions.

Rights Protection

The ratification of this bill will also certainly further protect the rights of domestic workers, including getting decent wages, health insurance, and protection from violence. This is important because up to now, the rights of domestic workers have been very vulnerable to being violated. Where domestic workers are often treated inappropriately and do not receive adequate wages and health insurance. Apart from that, because domestic workers tend to be workers who are often employed by women, they tend to experience physical violence and become victims of harassment. Data shows that the majority of domestic workers do not receive adequate wages and health insurance, and are vulnerable to violence.

Filling Legal Gaps

Currently, Indonesia does not yet have a comprehensive policy or regulation regarding domestic workers in one special regulation. This bill is expected to fill this legal gap. This is also one of the constitutional mandates of the 1945 Constitution where every person has the right to work and a decent living in accordance with their honor, dignity, and human rights. Therefore, it is necessary to create special regulations that provide legal standing for domestic workers.

Eliminating Discrimination

This bill is also expected to eliminate discrimination against domestic workers, including providing access to decent work, social security, and clear work agreements. Where in Article 3 letter b of the PPRT Bill, it is stated that one of the aims of this legal product is to prevent all forms of discrimination, exploitation, and harassment of domestic workers.

Thus, it is very important for the Domestic Workers Protection Bill to be passed immediately in order to protect the rights of domestic workers and provide them with proper protection.

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 three key aspectsof gender equality and women’s rights activism: Law, Policy, and Advocacy through the provision of digital-based information. To get related articles, please visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram            : @feministsociety.id

Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

View More:

Rancangan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Pekerja Rumah Tangga

Baby Ista Pranoto. Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Pekerja Rumah Tangga di Indonesia. Lex Renaissance Journal. Volume 7. Number 4. https://journal.uii.ac.id/Lex-Renaissance/article/download/24290/15462/95050

Fajrianto. Perlindungan Hukum terhadap Pekerja Rumah Tangga dalam Perspektif Hak Konstitusional dan Hambatan Penerapannya di Indonesai. Al Azhar Indonesia Journal. Volume 4. Number 3. https://jurnal.uai.ac.id/index.php/JAISS/article/download/2347/pdf

https://era.id/news/115564/isi-ruu-pprt

https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/cq54qxnv2y4o

https://kemnaker.go.id/news/detail/kemnaker-uu-pprt-jadi-landasan-perlindungan-pekerja-rumah-tangga

https://openparliament.id/2023/02/02/ruu-pprt/

https://gajimu.com/tips-karir/Tentang-wanita/pekerja-rumah-tangga/mengenal-rancangan-undang-undang-perlindungan-pekerja-rumah-tangga-1

https://berkas.dpr.go.id/puslit/files/isu_sepekan/Isu%20Sepekan---I-PUSLIT-November-2021-215.pdf

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2022/09/01/09041501/wamenkumham-sebut-urgensi-ruu-pprt-untuk-lindungi-pekerja-rumah-tangga