On June 21, 2024, an important step was taken on the journey towards women's empowerment in Belimbing Village, Kosambi District, Tangerang Regency. The meeting, initiated at the office of the Belimbing Village Head, was attended by 15 women. Consisting of women's figures, religious figures, and representatives from various women's organizations in the village.
This meeting is not just a discussion. But a collective effort to form the Belimbing Manis Women's Voice Forum. A forum that is expected to be able to voice the needs and aspirations of women, children, and the disabled in the village.
The formation of the Belimbing Manis Women's Voice Forum was driven by the need to create a space where women can unite, communicate, and synergize in voicing their aspirations. The main objective of this forum is to formulate program proposals that have a gender, disability, and inclusivity (GEDSI) perspective. These proposals are expected to become an integral part of the village development program. Ensuring that the needs of women, children, and the disabled receive proper attention in the decision-making process.
Belimbing Village itself consists of 2,944 residents with diverse livelihoods, ranging from trading, managing food stalls, cake businesses, grocery stores, to workshops. Most of them are women who also act as housewives, PKK administrators, posyandu cadres, religious figures, and cooperative members. With the diversity that exists, this forum is expected to be a strong platform to propose programs that support women's empowerment and the welfare of children and families in the village.
In the meeting, participants from various backgrounds also shared their daily activities. Which reflects the important role of women in the community. For example, several mothers who are active in cooperatives and integrated health posts said that their daily lives are filled with taking care of their families. As well as participating in social and religious activities.
A mother, for example, wakes up early to cook, wash, and take care of her grandchildren before attending activities at the Vihara or cooperative. Their hope is simple but strong, namely that the Red Lantern cooperative that is part of their lives will be increasingly successful.
There are also mothers who are active in posyandu activities, ensuring that toddlers in Belimbing Village receive optimal care. Also avoid health problems such as stunting. Another activity that was also highlighted was their role in the Sultan Al Barkah Foundation which is involved in the social sector. Providing assistance to bereaved and underprivileged families. They are also involved in various religious activities at temples and religious study groups. As well as in local organizations such as the PKK and Karang Taruna.
The result of the meeting was the formation of the Belimbing Manis Women's Voice Forum. With a management structure consisting of women who have long been involved in various social activities in the village. With a name that reflects the sweetness of their hopes and courage, this forum is chaired by Mrs. Hj. Wani Hapsari, Chair of the Belimbing Village PKK, with Mrs. Merry Andani as coordinator. Members of this forum come from various backgrounds, ranging from RT administrators, adminduk cadres, cooperative members, to representatives from temples and religious study groups.
The Belimbing Manis Women's Voice Forum is not just an ordinary forum; it is a symbol of the rise of women's voices in Belimbing Village. With the formation of this forum, it is hoped that the voices of women in this village will no longer be ignored. They now have a place to voice their needs, hopes, and aspirations, especially in programs with a GEDSI perspective. With strength and togetherness, women in Belimbing Village can become the driving force for the welfare and progress of the village. Ensuring that every woman and child has the same rights and opportunities to live prosperously.
Through this forum, it is also hoped that activities will be formed in each field that can be proposed in the forum as programs needed by women and children. This is the beginning of a long journey towards equality. Where women are not only beneficiaries, but also become the main drivers in village development.
