BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – The commemoration of Mother’s Day celebrated every 22 December is not separated by the reflection of historical struggle of women’s right based on Indonesian Women’s Congress on 22-25 December 1928.
The Congress was still related to strengthening the national spirit after Sumpah Pemuda occurred two months earlier. The concern on various issues faced by women also appeared on that congress, such as early-age marriage, polygamy and domestic violence.
For Paguyuban Pasundan Head of Division for Women’s Empowerment and Public Health as well as Vice Dean II Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pasundan dr. Hj. Alma Lucyati, M.Kes., M.Si., MH.Kes, understanding and commemorating Mother’s Day does not need to be done in joyful celebration or kind-of-euphoria.
“Mother’s Day reminds us about women’s nature and mother’s role. The meaning of a mother cannot be forgotten, although we are now in the era of 4.0. Mother is a first educator of our descendant and become the person who prepare young generation, from the smallest one,” she said.
Unlike Independence Day, Mother’s Day will be now more suitable to have a meaning for solving the daily problems, including those faced by women.
Referring to the existing data, the average length of education for girls in Indonesia has not fulfilled the compulsory basic education (Wajib Belajar Pendidikan Dasar, Wajar Dikdas). According to her, this greatly affects the way of thinking and acting, as well as the readiness of women to face global competition.
“Like it or not, women should be able and ready to face to global competition. So, apart from having taught from the smallest unit one, women must be aware and learn what is going to happen around us. The information source is getting to be opened wider, so we cannot make our culture faded,” she said.
Women have opportunity to receive higher education in the hope that they will be able fortify themselves, their families, their environment, and even the country. Today’s women are required to fight harder, so that they can maintain and open themselves, as well as increase their knowledge through proper levels of education.
“Women are the pillars of the family and the pillars of education. They play a role in guarding the information source with the norms and education they adhere to make the next generation better so that they can compete with other countries. However, this cannot be done alone, it requires joint involvement and synergy,” he continued.
As a matter related to this, Paguyuban Pasundan also establishes the education sector. The programs it carries out are also related to Women’s Empowerment and Public Health, including by taking the educational way.
“We focus on giving information, easy access for women to keep learning, as well as proving opportunities for women to move more active and obtain certain level to be able to empower the community/public,” she explained.
Mentioned about the case of sexual harassment which recently becomes the popular discussion, she keeps encouraging women to form themselves as a tough individual, daring to say ‘no’, brave to fight back and strengthening their environment.
“If women are strong, people will be scared. It certainly does not only come from women; men are still in need to be educated well, and stay away from things that lead them to sexual harassment,” she confirmed.
Last, she also has her message to all women to spare their time a bit to learn and study. By proper education and knowledge, women can improve their skills, economic condition and actualize their dreams. (Reta)*
