Island Women School Successfully Advocated for the Renovation of the Health Center

For the last three years, Island Women School has advocated the renovation of Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in Sabutung Island, Mattiro Kanja Village, Pangkajene and Islands Regency, South Sulawesi.

Previously, the puskesmas building was not maintained and overgrown by high grass. Furthermore, puskesmas services was limited, both from health service duration and health workers quality. But now, Sabutung Island Community Health Center has a better building, comfortable room, and better service.

The change in the Puskesmas started from the government’s openness in listening to the voices and aspirations of poor women. This is because sense of inferiority and taboo in opening their silence.

But then, the courage grows on the island women. This awareness emerged after joining the Island Women School, where they gained an understanding of their right to have good public services.

From 2014 to 2016, Island women continue to provide input and criticism regarding health services on their island. On the effort, finally the local government performed physical improvements and management of puskesmas. In order to get the health rights for the people who live on the smallest islands, such initiatives arise and long struggles remain.

Reported by: Ros and Gender Watch Team – MAMPU, YKPM