Women are often considered only as supporters in village development, without a significant role in the decision-making process. However, in Cirompang Village, Lebak Regency, Banten, this paradigm is starting to change. Through the Estungkara program, village women now have the space to actively participate in development through the Women's Deliberation Forum. An initiative that aims to create more inclusive policies.
On August 25, 2024, the first village-level women's forum was held. Presenting 41 women from various backgrounds: PKK members, posyandu cadres, RT heads, Women Farmers Groups (KWT), and other economic groups. The diversity of participants reflects the great potential of village women in advancing development in Cirompang. This forum is an important forum for women to share experiences. Also, discuss important issues, and formulate concrete action plans that can support sustainable village development.
This forum is not just a discussion forum, but becomes the main channel for women's aspirations to be accommodated in village policies. Women who have been positioned as policy recipients are now starting to play a role as the main actors in policy formation. Through intensive discussions, they are encouraged to realize that their voices are very important in advancing the village.
Ela, a village apparatus in the field of economic development, is one of the participants who felt the benefits of this forum. "This meeting is very good, both personally and as a village apparatus. Women really welcome and are grateful for the activity. Because there are many benefits felt, especially for women's groups in Cirompang," said Ela.
According to Ela, this forum provides village women with motivation and opportunities to play an active role in development. Previously, women's initiatives often stalled midway due to lack of assistance. "Women in Cirompang have many ideas, but without assistance, they usually just remain as discourse," she added.
One example of an initiative that had stalled was the waste bank group that was formed several years ago. However, with this forum, the spirit to revive the initiative has re-emerged. Ela said, "We once tried to form a waste bank group, but due to lack of assistance, it didn't work. We hope that RMI can continue to assist us so that we can revive this activity."
In addition to waste banks, this forum also encourages initiatives to utilize yard land for household farming. Women in Cirompang are now starting to discuss how they can utilize yard land to plant vegetables and productive plants, which can help family food security. Ela said, "After yesterday's activity, discourse has begun to emerge for women's activities, such as waste banks and utilization of yard land. We hope that this initiative can be supported by the village budget."
The Women's Deliberation Forum in Cirompang Village is part of a series of meetings throughout 2024 that aims to strengthen the role of women in village development. Not only discussing social and economic issues, this forum also seeks women's participation in the planning and implementation of village policies. With support from various parties, it is hoped that women's initiatives can be sustainable and become an integral part of village policies.
A change in mindset is beginning to be seen. Women who previously felt their role was limited to social assistance are now beginning to realize that they can also be actively involved in village development. "Before the forum, many felt that women's roles were limited to social assistance. Now they are starting to be enthusiastic, realizing that they can play an active role in development," Ela explained.
With this forum, women in Cirompang are not only more confident, but also more courageous in voicing their opinions. This forum paves the way for the creation of more inclusive and participatory village policies. Where every voice, including women's voices, is valued and accommodated.
The concrete results of this forum do not stop at discourse. The revitalization of the waste bank group that had been stalled has now received a commitment from the village government to be supported through the village budget. In addition, the plan to utilize yard land is also being discussed further. With the hope that it can help improve family food security in Cirompang.
Village women are now ready to make real contributions to creating more inclusive and sustainable villages. With continued support from various parties, the role of women in creating fairer and more participatory village policies is getting stronger.
The Women's Deliberation Forum in Kasepuhan Cirompang not only provides a space for women to speak, but also teaches them that their voices are needed in village development. With initiatives such as revitalizing waste banks and utilizing yard land, women in Cirompang prove that they are able to play an active role in creating change.
In the future, it is hoped that this forum can continue and become a means to strengthen women's participation in every aspect of village development. With the right support, women in Cirompang Village will become pioneers in creating inclusive, fair, and sustainable village policies that value the voices and contributions of each citizen.
