PPSW Jakarta through the Estungkara program routinely holds a series of critical educational discussions related to the prevention of sexual violence against Benteng Chinese women. This discussion series discusses various issues using modules developed PPSW Jakarta in developing capacity for Benteng Chinese women.
One of the important topics that is often discussed in the discussion session is the issue of violence that is often experienced by Chinese women. Benteng Discussion discusses the impacts caused by violence and what are the causes of violence. This discussion series aims to ensure that with adequate understanding, women China Fortress can prevent/avoid and break the chain of violence that often befalls women and children.
"In addition, it also encourages community participation in efforts to protect women and children who are victims of violence," said Iqbal Yusti Ekoputro, PPSW Jakarta while facilitating the discussion.
Based on the results of research conducted by KEMITRAAN together with Laura UGM regarding sexual violence in indigenous communities and ethnic minorities, it was stated that the form of violence that often occurs in the Benteng Chinese ethnic group is gender-based violence. Where women often have a double burden in taking care of the household, on the other hand they often do not get the opportunity to work so they are fully dependent on their husbands. This is what then becomes one of the reasons for the triggering of violence, because women do not have authority over themselves.
This discussion series is held routinely with a relaxed discussion method with a number of Benteng Chinese women. Approximately 20 participants, the majority of whom are Benteng Chinese women who are also cadres of the Eternal Red Lantern KWPS, are present in each discussion session. The training method begins by inviting participants to sit in a circle, and the facilitator will start with a game to build participants' enthusiasm for participating in the discussion.
"Usually we review the previous material, so that participants can recall the results of the previous discussion," said Iqbal.
In the previous discussion session, Titik Suratmi from PPSW Jakarta discussed efforts to handle victims of violence. This discussion is important to provide a deep understanding of how to protect victims, so that participants who are also cooperative cadres can voice their experiences or those of the community related to psychological, physical, and sexual violence.
"Violence against women and children is a very serious issue. Awareness and understanding of this issue are important steps in preventing violence and reducing cases that occur," Titik said while facilitating the discussion.
In addition to raising issues faced by women and children, the facilitator also conveyed that the issue of violence is also vulnerable to being experienced by people with disabilities. This is because the double impact will be experienced by those with disabilities, especially if violence is experienced by women with disabilities.
"The discussion also emphasized the importance of women's political participation. In particular, women with disabilities are expected to be agents of change among the Benteng Chinese ethnic community, pushing for gender-sensitive and inclusive policies," said Tiyas Widya Anggraini from PPSW Jakarta who also became a facilitator in the discussion.
Tiyas Widya Anggraini from PPSW Jakarta, who is also a facilitator, explained that the impacts that can arise from violence can vary, ranging from physical, mental, social impacts such as exclusion, economic, and also reproductive health.
"We understand that the causes of violence can vary, such as economic factors, cheating husbands, lazy husbands, not being open with each other, differences in principles and commitments," explained Lanni, one of the participants in the discussion session.
Through these discussions, it is hoped that Benteng Chinese women can be more active in voicing their rights and contributing to creating a safe and supportive environment. Active participation and solidarity between groups are key to preventing violence and building a better society.
"We hope that the following sessions will continue to provide inspiration and useful knowledge for all participants," added Iqbal.
The impact of violence can cause someone to experience trauma that is difficult to remove. And this can happen to people closest to them. So providing supplies on how to behave when seeing cases of violence, then this can help victims and also break the chain of cases of violence in society, especially in the Benteng Chinese community.
