By: Graceful, KKI Warsi
In order to commemorate Kartini Day, the Indonesian Conservation Community (KKI) Warsi, which is a partner of INKLUSI through the support of KEMITRAAN, participated in an event entitled "Voices from the Footprint" which took place at Gada Mala Caffe & Eatery, Jambi on April 20, 2025. This activity was held to revive Kartini's spirit in fighting for women's rights, especially indigenous women, through discussions as well as weaving and sewing with the participants who attended.
Minar as an indigenous woman who is actively involved in empowering women's groups with KKI Warsi in Talang Mamak in Dusun Simarantihan, Tebo, Jambi, also became a speaker. In this event, Minar shared her experience about the struggle of Talang Mamak women in fulfilling food and fighting for the right to life of her community.
Minar feels proud and happy to be involved in commemorating Kartini Day. Minar feels a positive change with the strengthening of the Talang Mamak women's group. They are the backbone of fulfilling family food needs because of the existence of a forum in the form of the Women's Farmers Group (Rimpahan Paloriyen Simarantihan) to train and organize women in farming. Minar hopes that the difficulties she felt in the past will no longer be felt by the younger generation of Talang Mamak. She also hopes that the younger generation of Talang Mamak will progress and have the same opportunities as the general public. Currently, there are four Talang Mamak children who are attending school in Jambi.
Another speaker came from the female representative of the Orang Rimba, Juliana. She succeeded in achieving her dream of becoming a forestry graduate and dedicating herself to empowering the Orang Rimba community. Juliana said that her struggle to get a bachelor's degree and convince those closest to her to support her dream was very difficult.
Nur (26) who attended as a participant admitted that she was happy to be able to participate in the Suara dari Tapak event. According to Nur, the activity was very beneficial for young people, especially women. She finally realized that indigenous women have extraordinary talents and abilities but they are not published.
"And from the statement of the indigenous woman as a resource person, it is very profound, that there should be no differences because humans have the same rights. Indigenous people also want to progress," said Nur.
Despite the many challenges and limitations they have, indigenous women continue to survive and struggle amidst the onslaught of modernization and globalization. By maintaining local wisdom and adapting to current conditions, they continue to struggle even though they are a little faltering. They are riding the waves of change that are not always friendly. Indigenous women, with steps that may not always be fast but full of confidence, continue to move forward for a better future for their community.
Anggun, a representative of KKI Warsi, said the same thing. She said that although Kartini's body is not with us now, her struggle and spirit can be revived.
"This Kartini Day also gives us the spirit to dream and have ideals, and to fight without fear of social and cultural limitations," said Anggun.
