Stories

Yes, We can!

Hj. Rasyidah, a 48 years old Pekka’s cadre in South Kalimantan, walked steadily to the podium, when her name was called by Chairman of Regional Assembly. She was at the Extraordinary General Meeting of PEKKA’s Cooperative in North Hulu Sungai Regency. She was set to deliver the activities and financial reports in front of more than 40 cooperative members.

In her opening speech, Rasyidah shared her story, “Now, I am confident to talk in public. Before joining Pekka, I did not have enough courage to stand let alone to deliver a speech.  Today, I am standing here to deliver my speech. This is all a learning process. Although I am getting older, I will not stop learning”.

Rasyidah, who is now an active participant in various organisations, felt a positive change since her involvement in Pekka back in 2011.

Rasyidah joined Pekka in Papadaan South Kalimantan on 2011. At that moment, there were only 14 members listed in the women’s group. After just two months, she was elected as the Chairman of the group replacing the previous one.

“I do not care what people say about women heads of household. Together, we will continue fighting for gender equality,” said Rasyidah in high spirit.

Pekka in Papadaan has grown because of Rasyidah’s passion in developing the group. Managed to grow the group members, Rasyidah shows no sign to stop her fight. She developed new women’s groups in her and other villages around Papadaan while continously contributing to various social activities in her village.

“I was once a treasurer in my village’s Family Welfare Program (PKK). However, I did not contribute much as all the works were done by the village chief,” said Rasyidah.

Now with PEKKA, Rasyidah, the mother of three, gets a chance to give sound contributions to the women’s group.

Rasyidah proudly said, “I feel more appreciated and valued”.

Now, she is taking important roles in social activities such as being Farmers’ Group Chairman, Village Working Group (Pokja) III Chairman, Praying Group Chairman, Chairman of Senior Citizens Integrated Health Post (Posyandu Manula). She has always been invited to Planning Session and Rural Development Discussion (Musrenbangdes).

Rasyidah who also served as Pekka States Trustee in North Hulu Sungai Regency said, now she gets more opportunities to broaden her horizon, access more information and trainings.

“In the past, women’s participation was absent from social development programs. Now, everything has changed. Women can do everything, we’ve changed. Now, we work closely with the government. We feel lucky because local government gives their full support for Pekka’s activities. We can contribute in forming the rural development budget. They even approved our proposal for elderly health services,” she said.

Go Rasyidah!

Written by: Fitria Villa Sahara