Celebrating Local Knowledge and Women's Voices on Kartini Day
The voice of Tread reminds us that big changes start with simple things.
Suara dari Tapak reminds us that big changes start with simple things.More than 90 participants from various organisations, communities and universities packed Gadamala on Sunday, 20 April 2025. They attended the ‘Suara dari TAPAK’ event, a collective campaign that voices the experiences of grassroots women in protecting customs and the environment. The event also celebrated local knowledge through cultural and ecological skills training.
The event was organised by Pundi Sumatra with the support of the ESTUNGKARA Programme from Kemitraan Partnership. This activity coincided with the Kartini Day commemoration. With the theme "Ruang Kartini: Talk, Empower, and Create", the concept of the event was made more intimate. It was different from the usual formal talk show. Participants could choose to only listen to the talk show, or participate in skills training while listening to stories and reflections from the speakers.
The concept was born from the habits of women, especially in the treadmill community, who often do handwork while chatting and sharing experiences.
"Just imagine sitting in front of the house, gathering and doing activities that women often do: weaving, sewing, and knitting. That concept is what we are presenting here," said Dewi Yunita, CEO of Pundi Sumatra. This idea creates a more intimate, warm and fluid atmosphere.
The enthusiasm of the participants was very high, especially from young people and students. This shows the growing awareness of ecofeminism issues and the importance of preserving local knowledge at the local level. The skills training provided was also very interesting. Participants learnt to sew cloth pads with Beranda Perempuan, make accessories from batik patchwork with Jambi University PPG students, and string paper beads with Penyengat Olak Village women. They also learnt how to weave resam with Idea Resam MSME, and make plates from palm sticks with the Merangin Women's Alliance (APM).
This activity is not just a training. It is also a form of campaigning on the importance of community-based and environmental creative economy. "The crafts we choose are indeed environmentally based, because this has a symbolic meaning. That women are synonymous with the guardians of nature and civilisation," Dewi explains. From working hands and simple materials comes a philosophy of sustainability, resilience and solidarity.
Along with the skills activities, the first talk show session became a space to share stories from treadmill women who protect their living space. Present in this session were representatives from the Suku Anak Dalam community assisted by Pundi Sumatra, the Talang Mama community assisted by KKI Warsi, and young people from the Young Women's Forum, Merangin Women's Alliance. They shared about how to survive in the midst of rapid social and environmental changes. Although they came from different communities, there was a common thread: women have an important role in maintaining the relationship between humans and nature.
The second talk show session entitled "Ruang Kartini: Why does Kartini have to talk?" presented Wenny Irawati, a gender activist who discussed the GEDSI perspective for indigenous women. Asi Noprini from the Jambi Province Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3A) was also present. She highlighted the high level of violence against women and the importance of a comprehensive protection system. Ulvi Monica from Pundi Sumatra and Anggun Nova from KKI Warsi completed the discussion. They shared their experiences assisting indigenous communities: building safe spaces, facing discrimination, and strengthening solidarity from below.
"Suara dari Tapak reminds us that big changes start from simple things. From conversations while sewing, from weaving that is passed down between generations, to the courage of women to speak out in public spaces," said Dewi.