Surabaya https://mediarestorasiindonesia.co.id In order to commemorate the 16 Days of Anti-Violence Against Women (16 HAKTP), the Student Executive Board (BEM) FISIP of the National Development University (UPN) “Veteran” East Java has held a series of activities that fight for important issues around gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the elimination of gender-based violence. This campaign aims to raise public awareness of the importance of respecting women’s rights and educating the younger generation about menstrual hygiene and protecting women’s human rights.
The campaign began with the In Memorian Candle event on November 29, 2024, which reminded us of the struggles of women defenders of human rights. This event is a place to appreciate the great contribution of women in building a more just and equal world. With speeches from various parties, including the chief executive, propaganda team, and members of Girl Up UPNVJT, this event succeeded in raising awareness among the academic community of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The activity was continued with the Interactive Space which was held around Lake UPNVJT. In this session, visitors are invited to sign a commitment to gender equality and share experiences of verbal or physical violence they have experienced. This activity is not just a campaign, but also invites the campus community to be directly involved in the fight against violence against women.
On December 01, 2024, BEM FISIP UPNVJT continued the offline campaign with the theme “Voice of Change: Be Yourself” at Taman Bungkul, Surabaya. This campaign collaborates with various communities, such as Girl Up UPNVJT and Duta Puteri for Child Protection and Women’s Empowerment of East Java 2024. Here, the community is invited to participate in an interactive space, which focuses on identifying forms of violence often experienced by women, such as catcalling, and encouraging the elimination of gender discrimination. In addition, the speeches delivered further strengthened the message about the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
One of the important initiatives launched in the 16 HAKTP campaign is Ganbatte, which started on December 3, 2024. In this activity, BEM FISIP UPNVJT distributed free sanitary napkins in the campus women’s toilet to educate women about the importance of changing sanitary napkins every 4 hours. This campaign aims to raise awareness about menstrual health, which is often ignored. Many women are reluctant to change sanitary napkins regularly, which can cause infections and skin irritation. Ganbatte invites women to care about their health during menstruation.
On December 6, 2024, it became an open discussion forum on gender equality. This event presented competent speakers such as the Child Protection Ambassador and the President of Girl Up Unesa, who enriched participants’ understanding of the importance of equal rights and opportunities for women in various areas of life, including in the workplace. The discussion, which raised the topic of the impact of gender stereotypes on career choices, encouraged participants to open their minds and initiate changes in how they view women and men.
As the closing of the series of activities, on December 8, 2024, BEM FISIP UPNVJT held an educational campaign Dare to Dream and Eliminate Gender Stigma in Professions at the Al-Bisri Children’s Home, Surabaya. This campaign aims to educate children that they have the right to achieve their dreams without being limited by gender stigma. Through storytelling activities about professions regardless of gender, as well as coloring and planting flower pots as a symbol of responsibility, children are invited to pursue their dreams without being hindered by stereotypes.
The campaign held by BEM FISIP UPNVJT in the context of 16 HAKTP has created a space for the community, especially the younger generation, to learn, discuss, and be directly involved in the struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment. With various interactive activities, speeches, and education, this event succeeded in raising awareness about the importance of maintaining menstrual health, eliminating gender-based violence, and encouraging changes in mindset in society to achieve true equality. Through these efforts, it is hoped that a more inclusive and just society will be created, where women and men have equal opportunities to develop and contribute.(M.A.C).
