In Nemnemleleu Village, a new breakthrough was formed to provide space for women to convey their aspirations and proposals in the public sphere. The Pramusdus (Pre-Village Deliberation) Women's Program is present as a result of collaboration between the Citra Mandiri Mentawai Foundation (YCMM) and Partnership with the Nemnemleleu Village Government. This program aims to ensure that women in the village are able to play an active role in public decision-making.
So far, the Nemnemleleu Village Government has encouraged women's participation in every decision-making activity. For example, in the Hamlet Deliberation (Musdus), Village Deliberation (Musdes), and Village Development Planning Deliberation (Musrembangdes). However, women's involvement is often only administrative, with their presence limited to fulfilling representation standards only. Women have not been fully given the space to convey their proposals and needs directly.
The Head of Nemnemleleu Village, Balsanus, realized the importance of exploring women's aspirations in more depth. He ordered the hamlet head to hold a Women's Pramusdus. However, to date, only one hamlet in Central Nemnemleleu has implemented this. Seeing this need, YCMM facilitated the implementation of Pramusdus Perempuan in three other hamlets: North, South and North Nemnemleleu.
The Pramusdus Women's Discussion was held on March 22, 2024 at 18.00 until evening. This time was chosen because during the day women are busy reopening agricultural land after the harvest. In the discussion, women were given knowledge about the importance of their role in the household and their rights in village development. They were also taught about GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion), ensuring that their roles are equal in various aspects of life.
The hamlet heads of the three hamlets also gave their speeches. They emphasized that the purpose of Pramusdus Perempuan is not to elevate women's status above men or the disabled group. But rather to ensure that their rights as villagers and citizens of the country are properly fulfilled. This discussion opened the eyes of many women about their often overlooked needs.
One of the main issues raised in the Pramusdus Perempuan is the problem of clean water. Women in these three hamlets have to walk far to the river to get water. This water is used to wash clothes, dishes, and other daily needs. They hope that the village government can provide clean water facilities that are easily accessible.
In addition to water, women also proposed business capital to start small businesses, the formation of women's farmer groups and the reactivation of PKK and Dasawisma. Not only that, they also suggested leadership training and UMKM for women. All of these proposals aim to improve the welfare and independence of women in Nemnemleleu Village.
Estungkara's SIPAUMAT program, a collaboration between YCMM and Kemitraan, brings a new color to the realization of inclusion in Nemnemleleu Village. This program not only ensures that women can convey their aspirations, but also provides education on gender equality and social inclusion.
The Head of Nemnemleleu Village, Balsanus, emphasized that Pramusdus Perempuan is an important step in realizing good, clean and trustworthy village governance, towards a prosperous village community. With this program, it is hoped that women's voices can be accommodated well in village development planning.
The Women's Pramusdus in Nemnemleleu Village is a step forward in ensuring women's participation in public decision making. This program opens up space for women to speak and express their needs directly. With support from various parties, it is hoped that this program can continue and have a positive impact on the welfare of women and village communities as a whole.
