Bell Hooks, a feminist and social activist from the United States once said, "community is formed not by eliminating differences, but by affirming them." This sentence comes to mind when looking at the women's forum named 'Tobine Mohintu' in Lonca village, Kulawi sub-district, Sigi district, Central Sulawesi province, has succeeded in growing in just about three months since its formation.
Early in 2023, Lonca village witnessed the birth of an initiative that changed the face of women's participation in the region. Women's Forum Tobine Mohintu, which was spearheaded by the Head of Lonca Village, was formed in response to the lack of involvement of women in village activities. This forum aims to increase women's participation in village discussions and village development planning meetings (Musrenbang), as well as advancing the economic welfare of members through cooperatives and group gardens.
Forum members gather to deposit a down payment of IDR 20,000 per person, which is then turned into cooperative capital. Apart from that, every month, every 28th, members are required to pay a contribution of IDR 5,000 and attend regular group meetings. This cooperative provides loans with reduced interest of 5%, and only cooperative members can borrow the money. To date, the total funds collected have reached almost IDR 10 million and have been used by members for various family needs.
Forum Tobine Mohintu also held mapalus activities, namely mutual cooperation to clean gardens or pampas belonging to members in turns. This activity not only helps improve members' economies, but also strengthens social interaction and solidarity between them.
The recently opened group garden covers half a hectare of land and will be planted with chilies (rica). The results from this garden will be used for the benefit of the group, so that it can increase income for forum members. To become a member of the forum, a minimum number of 20 people is required, in accordance with the Village Head's Decree. If anyone wants to join again, a new women's forum will be formed so that member commitment and participation is maintained.
This forum has strict rules to ensure active involvement of all its members. For example, members who are inactive for six months will be subject to a fine. In addition, there is a maximum time limit for borrowing money of six months; If you return it late, the interest will be doubled. Fines are also imposed for members who arrive late at each meeting. All of these rules are implemented to raise awareness that this forum is for togetherness and mutual progress.
At every meeting, there is always room for discussion regarding the sustainability of the forum. Currently, the main focus is managing the garden which has been cleaned and will be burned to loosen the soil.
Mrs. Rosmita Sari, chairman of the Forum Tobine Mohintu, feel a lot of changes since leading this forum. He realized that women were also able to generate income, not only men. He also became more courageous in expressing his opinions, both within the family and in discussions in the village. Even though she faced challenges in uniting various members' opinions, Mrs. Riska did not give up. In fact, the debate in the discussion made him learn more and dare to appear.
The inclusion and recognition of women in various aspects of society is not only a step towards gender justice, but also an important foundation for creating an inclusive and equal environment. In an inclusive society, every individual has equal opportunities to participate and develop without discriminatory barriers. The involvement of women, who are often a marginalized group, is very necessary to create an environment like this.
Involving women in decision-making and recognizing their contributions is an important step towards addressing injustice. Without gender equality, a society cannot claim to be just and democratic.
Also brings different perspectives and experiences into the decision-making process. This helps in generating more comprehensive and sustainable solutions. For example, in the context of village development, the involvement of women can ensure that their needs and interests are also met, as seen in the Forum initiative Tobine Mohintu in Lonca Village.
When women are economically empowered, they improve not only their own well-being but also that of their families and communities. That is why, the women's cooperative in Lonca Village is a concrete example of how women's economic empowerment can improve the welfare of the entire community.
Forum Tobine Mohintu in Lonca Village is a clear example of how local initiatives can empower women and improve community welfare. Through cooperative activities, group gardens and mutual cooperation, this forum succeeded in changing the social and economic dynamics in the village, and showed that women can play an active role in community development and empowerment.
