Talang Mamak Indigenous Women are a community who live by local wisdom and rely on forest products as their source of life. Despite their isolation, their lives are filled with a spirit of survival. With difficult terrain, covering a distance of around 18 kilometers, their journey is very dependent on the weather, which is sometimes hostile.
In this community, Talang Mamak indigenous women feel limited access and opportunities to participate in activities in the village. They are limited to the role of sent representatives without having the opportunity to be directly involved in activities in the village. Lack of self-confidence also becomes a barrier, so they do not feel recognized or encouraged to participate.
Through the support of Project Estungkara from KEMITRAAN Indonesia, KKI Warsi succeeded in creating a strengthening and empowerment group for Talang Mamak indigenous women. The entry point for this strengthening lies in the Polirien Simarantihan Rimpahan Farming Women's Group. A group that is a vehicle for discussion for Talang Mamak traditional women. These discussions build awareness of the importance of an active role in village development. Four representatives of Talang Mamak traditional women appeared, ready to participate in Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) activities in Suo-Suo Village.
November 10 2023 became a historical milestone, where four Talang Mamak indigenous women participated in PKK Village activities. The focus of activities on Posyandu for Maternal and Child Health (KIA) opens the door to important discussions about the health of their children. They talk about smoking habits in front of children and a lack of understanding about the use of vaccine injections.
One of the farmer group representatives, Sani, revealed that this was his first experience of gathering with many people outside Talang Mamak. "At first I felt embarrassed and afraid, but the enthusiasm of the companion and the warm acceptance of the village community moved me. "We feel that all this time, the village community has not received us well," explained Sani.
Likewise, Nani, another representative, said that this was the first time her child had received a vaccine injection. Seeing the positive response from the village community, Nani felt very grateful.
The response from the Suo-Suo Village PKK was also very positive. They are grateful to have a companion who succeeded in bringing Talang Mamak women's representatives to activities in the village. This opens up new hope for the future. They hope that on December 10 2023, more Talang Mamak indigenous women will participate in PKK Village activities. The goal is to bring positive change to their community.
