Celebrating Indonesian Independence by Celebrating Diversity

On 11-17 August 2019, KAPAL Perempuan and the Gender Watch network held the annual Women’s Independence Week campaign to coincide with Indonesian Independence Day. Activities took place across six provinces and involved over 1,900 women. Events were held in South Sulawesi by local partner YKPM, in East Java KPS2K, in West Nusa Tenggara by local partner LPSDM, in East Nusa Tenggara by local partner Pondok PERGERAKAN, as well as in West Java and Jakarta. The theme of the campaign was: “Celebrate Independence and Diversity”, the campaign called on people to celebrate diverse cultures and identities as a way of respecting the nation’s independence struggle.

KAPAL Perempuan as a grassroots organisation, believes that Indonesian independence will be complete with when equality is achieved. “[Respect for] women’s diversity and independence mean that women are free from all forms of discrimination and violence,” said KAPAL Perempuan Director Misiyah. A number of the activities also focused on displaying the natural beauty and unique characteristics of Indonesia’s diverse landscapes, from exotic islands to beautiful underwater ecosystems.