The dynamics of women's involvement from time to time continues to increase significantly. It can be seen from the increasing number of women representation in various organizations. However, when talking about the level of trust of responsibilities given to women, is still minimum because women are considered as just complements. Even though now is a modern era, women are still treated unfairly and even often become victims of violence verbally and non-verbally.
There are two real differences in social life for men and women in Sumba. The community environment is marked as the first place for men, and women to deal with the household. The circumstances make women only take care of children and the household environment. In addition, this makes women participate less in politics, due to cultural influence and religious interpretations, so that women are in a subordinate position to men or still considered creatures under men's leadership. Therefore, in making a decision, related to social life, political economy, and personal life, women do not have the right to speak up or to make decisions.
For the reasons above, Multiplication of Stube HEMAT in Sumba involved 30 students of STT GKS in a discussion on voicing women's rights with Rev. Dr. Suryaningsih Mila, M.Si at STT GKS Lewa Hall (Saturday, 3/9/2022). In the opening, Elisabeth Uru Ndaya, S.Pd., introduced Stube-HEMAT and explained the goal of the discussion. Then, Rev. Ningsih provided information and views about public stigma against women. She said the patriarchal culture influenced the emergence of a negative view of women. She provided an opportunity for students to voice their opinions about the challenges for women leaders, and the requirements to become leaders. Several students expressed their thoughts and views. Arniwati, a theology student, said that the challenge faced by women was the doubts of men who thought that women could not be trusted because in society's view women only took care of the kitchen. Another student, Ruth, gave her suggestion about the requirements to be leaders for those who are able and dare to take responsibility for what has become their mission.
On the theme of women's rights, leadership, and participation, Ovi, one of the participants, asked how women can be trusted to become leaders in organizations and community institutions. Rev. Suryaningaih responded that women should build self-awareness and change their mindset to be active and creative. She also emphasized that women can become future leaders, women can be role models and agents of change, based on the values of life covering truth, fairness, harmonious, caring, and full of empathy. Women support other women by inspiring empowering and working together, women can think and act strategically and politically. Women can also participate in public spaces and penetrate gendered public spaces. In this way, women must have a feminist perspective, strengthen their self-capacity, and self-confidence, and collaborate with men.
At the end of the discussion, Rev. Suryaningsih hoped that today's women have big dreams for themselves, not just being a housewife, but an innovative, productive, and participatory women of the future ***
