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:

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Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

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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:

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Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

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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:

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Email                     : fem.official7@gmail.com

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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

 

Everyone Has Their Own Right to Be Childfree

 

The Rights to Be Childfree

The decision to be childfree, that is, to not have children, is a personal choice that is increasingly being recognized and respected in many societies. It is regarded as a fundamental right that should be respected no matter what their reasons are for choosing to be childfree as that is their own responsibility as human beings. This article explores the rights associated with this choice and the societal implications of being childfree.

Understanding Childfree

The term “childfree” refers to individuals or couples who consciously choose not to have children. This is distinct from being “childless”, which refers to those who would have liked to have children but could not for various reasons.

The right to be childfree is actually the decision or lifestyle choice of not having children, whether biological, stepchildren, or adopted. This trend began to appear towards the end of the 20th century. Nowadays, the trend has been increasing broadly and even has been considered as a social movement in many countries.

The Right to Choose

The International Conference on Population and Development’s “Programme of Action” adopted in 1994, states that all couples and individuals have the basic right to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children. This includes the choice to have zero children, thus recognizing the right to be childfree.

In the Indonesian constitution as mandated in Article 28B Paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia states that continuing offspring is a right and not an obligation. Therefore, everyone is free to choose whether they want to have children or not at all.

Societal Implications

Despite the recognition of this right, those who choose to be childfree often face societal pressure and stigma. This is largely due to pro-natalism, a deep-seated belief held nearly ubiquitously around the world, that child-bearing and parenthood are key arbiters of a successful human lifetime.

However, it is important to note that people’s identities or intrinsic worth should not be measured primarily in terms of their childbearing decisions. Whether someone chooses to be childfree, or to have a large family, or to have fewer children for reasons such as contributing to global sustainability, they are much more than the outcomes of their reproductive careers.

Conclusion

The right to be childfree is a fundamental aspect of reproductive freedom. It is a choice that should be respected and protected. While societal norms and expectations may often challenge this choice, it is crucial to remember that everyone has the right to decide what is best for them. The decision to be childfree is a valid and important one, deserving of respect and understanding.

Remember, to have or not have children is a human right that everybody should be able to exercise without judgment or criticism. Whether for social, economic, environmental, or other reasons, the choice to be childfree is a deeply personal one, and it is a choice that should be respected.

 

If you are interested in issues surroundings 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: Law, Policy, and Advocacy through the provision of digital-based information. To get related articles, visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram             : @feministsociety.id

Email                   : fem.official7@gmail.com

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https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/what-does-childfree-mean

https://populationmatters.org/choosing-childfree/

https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/iccee-21/125974082

https://worldschildrensprize.org/explore-right-to-be-free

 

The Importance of Women’s Participation in Politics

 

Women’s participation in politics is essential for building more just and equitable societies. It is to close the gap between men and women through political participation.  Let’s delve into why this matters:

1.       Representation Matter

Women constitute half of the world’s population, yet they hold only 25% of seats in national parliaments. Dismantling these barriers is crucial for achieving gender equality and creating more inclusive societies.

2.       Peace and Stability

Higher levels of women’s political participation are associated with a lower risk of civil war and a reduced likelihood of state-perpetrated political violence. When women are elected to political offices, they are more likely to be held accountable by their constituencies, leading to responsive and transparent governance.

3.       Unique Perspectives

Lived experiences give women unique perspectives on gendered issues such as domestic violence, reproductive rights, and equal pay. Their presence in leadership positions helps break down stereotypes and change social norms regarding female leaders.

4.       UNDP’s Efforts

The African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship, a partnership between the African Union Commission and UNDP, equips young African women leaders with the skills to advance the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. However, addressing challenges to women’s political participation worldwide is critical. UNDP’s work in this area spans six broad areas: women’s participation in elections, parliaments, civic life, public administration, peacebuilding and peace processes, and politics and the media.

In summary, women’s active involvement in politics is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a more peaceful, just, and equitable world.

Therefore, encouraging more women to run for office is a vital step toward achieving gender parity in political representation. Here are some strategies to promote women’s participation:

1.       Education and Awareness

-          Educate young girls and women about the importance of political leadership. Highlight the impact they can make by participating in decision-making processes.

-          Raise awareness about the barriers women face in politics, such as gender bias, stereotypes, and lack of confidence.

2.       Mentorship and Role Models

-          Establish mentorship programs where experienced female politicians guide aspiring women leaders. Mentorship provides valuable insights and boosts confidence.

-          Highlight successful women who have excelled in politics. Role models inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

3.       Financial Support

-          Provide financial assistance to women running for office. Campaigns can be expensive, and lack of funds often discourages potential candidates.

-          Create funding mechanisms specifically for women candidates, including grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans.

4.       Legal Reforms

-          Advocate for legal changes that promote gender equality in politics. This includes measures like quotas for women’s representation.

-          Ensure equal access to political positions by removing legal barriers and discriminatory practices.

5.       Training and Capacity Building

-          Offer training programs on leadership, public speaking, policy development, and campaign management.

-          Build women’s skills to navigate the political landscape effectively. It definitely can be done in multiple ways.

 

If you are interested in issues surroundings 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: Law, Policy, and Advocacy through the provision of digital-based information. To get related articles, visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com.

You can also contact us on:

Instagram             : @feministsociety.id

Email                   : fem.official7@gmail.com

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https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/08/womens-political-participation-peaceful-world/

https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/focus-areas/governance/political-participation-of-women

https://womendeliver.org/why-women-in-politics/

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/why-we-need-more-women-in-politics

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures

 

Caitlin Clark Breaks Records in Sports, But Gender Gaps Remain in America

 

Caitlin Clark’s Unprecedented Achievements

Caitlin Clark, the point guard for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, has been making waves in the world of sports. She is the first Division-I player to record 3,700+ points, 1,000+ assists, and 850+ rebounds in a career. Clark has also become the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer across men’s and women’s basketball, surpassing a 54-year mark set by former LSU star “Pistol” Pete Maravich.

Her spectacular play has brought in droves of new fans, of all genders and backgrounds, there to watch her achieve new scoring heights. She has changed the sport by causing a ticket sellout nearly everywhere she and her team have played this season.

The Impact of Clark’s Success

Clark’s success has had a significant impact on women’s rising power in sports marketing. Her image has popped up on billboards in multiple cities, on cereal boxes, on insurance, and shoe ads, and on scores of T-shirts. Her endorsements include Panini, H&R Block, Nike, Buick, State Farm, Gatorade, and more.

Clark’s popularity reflects the empowering effect of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that student-athletes can market and earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This change is especially empowering for female athletes, whose post-college professional path is historically far less lucrative than men’s.

Persistent Gender Gaps in Sports

Despite Clark’s groundbreaking achievements, gender gaps persist in American sports. Women in the sports industry report feeling more supported by women managers than they do by male managers. However, women in sports administration face negative effects in an industry dominated by men, including a lack of opportunities for advancement.

Moreover, the gender pay gap in sports is significant and shows no signs of closing soon. The historical and cultural barriers that have perpetuated gender stereotypes and discrimination have limited the opportunities available to women in sports and have created a gender imbalance in terms of participation, media coverage, and financial support.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking achievements have brought unprecedented attention to women’s sports and have the potential to draw new crowds to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). However, the persistent gender gaps in sports highlight the need for continued efforts towards achieving gender equity. As we celebrate Clark’s successes, we must also continue to strive for a more equal future in sports.

If you are interested in issues surrounding gender equality and in-depth discussions about feminism, come join the 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, visit the page feminist-society.blogspot.com. You can also contact us on:

Instagram: @feministsociety.id

Email: fem.official7@gmail.com

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https://hawkeyesports.com/roster/caitlin-clark/

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2024/3/3/features-caitlin-clark-joins-rare-company-to-hold-ncaa-records-across-mens-and-womens-basketball.aspx

https://www.yahoo.com/news/caitlin-clark-seizes-records-sports-140026958.html

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/sustainable-inclusive-growth/chart-of-the-day/sports-gender-gap

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/09/huge-gender-pay-gap-in-sports-and-it-s-not-about-to-close-soon/

https://www.yellowbrick.co/blog/sports/achieving-gender-equity-in-sports-breaking-barriers-bridging-gaps