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Women’s Union of South Lampung Promotes Better Understanding for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

Marriage Act and Protection of the child feels overlap and harmed the women position due to the lack of certainty of guaranteed protection as stipulated in the Act. DAMAR, one of PERMAMPU consortium members, made an initiative and did not wait for government action. The presence of MAMPU that support the DAMAR activities and programs in an effort to provide an understanding in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, helps the women of South Lampung to provide an understanding of the importance of this issue.

The strengthening of grassroots leadership and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights service in South Lampung was supported by DAMAR and MAMPU through Sepalas (Women’s Union of South Lampung). They were divided into groups and they held a regular meetings every month.

Meda Fatmayanti (45), the Chairwoman of Sepalas, said “The Sepalas’s activities are carried include the method of critical education, strengthening of gender and feminist perspectives, advocacy of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and strengthening of women’s leadership.”

Mariam (46) from Banjar Negeri Village, Natar Subdistrict, South Lampung Regency, become the member of Sepalas since 2007. Until now, she serves as a group facilitator and help the area strengthening program. Mariam actively participated in several organisation, such as: PKK, Posyandu, religious organisation, Sepalas and MAMPU Program activities.

Mariam often asked to give counseling on Domestic Violence for the surrounding community, Sepalas members, etc. She also involved in BPJS accompaniment for villagers in her village. Her activities were seen by the village chief, and the chief recommended Mariam to be one of the candidates for neighborhood association election. She was chosen by the villagers due to her contribution to the surrounding. It proves that women’s leadership in South Lampung can be accepted and equal.

Murni (44), secretary of Sepalas who come from Mandah Village, Natar District, used to work in National Program for Self Empowerment (PNPM). Thus, she has been used to provide service to the community. When there MAMPU Program started in the region, Murni utilised it to further socialise Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and women leadership issues. When Murni performing her duties in the National Program for Self Empowerment activities, she often spoke about the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights to build public awareness on the importance of women’s reproductive health.

“There are so many opportunities to give a basic understanding for Sepalas members about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, thanks to regular discussions supported by MAMPU,” said Murni.

Murni also often found the problems of domestic violence and women’s reproductive health. “Many cases of pregnancy and childbirth are due to condition of the mother’s age; too young or too old. Then problematic birth was occured. There are also many husbands who transmit venereal diseases to his wife, due to changing partner frequently when working out of town. This is a serious problem, the women had to have understanding on this issue. “ Said Murni.

Murni approach the women by accommodate complaints from the public related to domestic violence or reproductive health problems, either direct complaints or complaints from other Sepalas members. Usually, she will discussed it further to find appropriate solutions.

Another evidence of women’s leadership in South Lampung can be seen from Murni’s case. She was elected as one of the candidates for Mandah Village Head election. She promised to work harder for the people in her village, especially for the women empowerment and provide more awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. “Because, if a woman is healthy, it will impact on a healthy generation,” said Murni.