The Bonto Somba Village Government, together with the support of the Sulawesi Community Foundation through the Estungkara program, held a Socialization and Village Working Group Action Plan event regarding Village Regulations based on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), 16 December 2023.
The event was not only attended by village government officials, religious leaders, traditional institutions, Village Midwives, and women's groups. But it is also an important momentum in building solidarity with indigenous communities.
The Head of Bonto Somba Village, Suparman, said the main aim of implementing this activity was to encourage the participation of children, women, people with disabilities and indigenous communities in the village development process.
“Village Regulation no. 005 is a legal umbrella that not only protects. "But it also improves the quality of life for all elements of society," said Suparman.
Suparman added that GEDSI-based village regulations are not only a preventive measure against violence against women and children. But also as a trace of good practice in village communities. Through this regulation, it can create a foundation that benefits the entire community.
Muliadi Makmur from the Sulawesi Community Foundation also underlined the community's shared vision in 2024 regarding the issue of food security. This issue is inseparable from the challenge of the high level of stunting in Bonto Somba Village. It is hoped that the existing legal umbrella will provide a safe space for children to grow and develop with adequate nutrition. "Without a legal umbrella, children in Bonto Somba Village could lose access to quality education and nutrition," explained Muliadi Makmur.
Furthermore, Muliadi Makmur gave encouragement to the working group to prepare an action plan. This is a concrete step to continue the success of good practices. As has been done by village officials in preparing GEDSI-based Village Regulations.
Ibu Azita, a local assistant, expressed her gratitude to the village government for the regulations that will protect indigenous women and children. Ms. Azita expressed her hope to join a working group committed to protecting women.
Through this outreach and action plan, the Bonto Somba Village Government and the Sulawesi Community Foundation show their commitment. To build Bonto Somba Village together. This concrete step is not only an important milestone in realizing an inclusive and sustainable space, but also an effort to provide space for indigenous women and indigenous communities to express their experiences and wisdom in preserving local wisdom.
With the spirit of togetherness fostered through GEDSI-based village regulations, Bonto Somba Village is moving towards a better future, where every citizen, without exception, can feel the positive impact of policies that involve all levels of society.
