Armayanti Sanusi fights for women's rights and social change
March 06 2024
3 minutes
In the remote village of Negeri Batin Jaya in Northern Lampung, Armayanti ‘Arma’ Sanusi grew up surrounded by the tranquility of a traditional community farm. Her childhood was marked by little access to information and technology, but the serene environment could not hide the profound inequality. Arma witnessed the hardships of rural women, faced with inequalities in education and health care. She joined 11.11.11-partner Solidaritas Perempuan to change this.
Arma's activism began in 2006 when she joined 11.11.11partner Solidarity Perempuan, an feminist organization who is committed to human rights. Her involvement grew and during the last SP congress in August 2023 she was elected national coordinator. "In the coming four years, promoting the independence of women will be a spearhead on our agenda," Arma proudly shares.
Her activism began with a deep-rooted belief in women's rights and social justice. As a privileged daughter of landowners, Arma was given the opportunity to further her education and move to the city. But when she saw how limited opportunities were for women in the countryside, she became active in the fight for change.
“I facilitated meetings of women farmers, fisherfolk, migrant workers and urban poor women in Lampung. These meetings were the breeding ground of empowerment, where women had the opportunity to join forces. They are the force for change; they speak out at the local, provincial and even national level.”
The change did not come without challenges. Arma still sees many threats to the women's movement in Indonesia. Such as a restriction of free speech and democratic protest, alongside a government that seems to ignore land grabbing and gender inequality. “How can we turn this threat into an opportunity?” Her answer is a positive story where leadership development and entrepreneurship to empower women is the guiding principle.
Once shy and now leader of the group, the Indonesian women's struggle is all charisma.
In the future, Arma wants to expand the Solidaritas Perempuan movement, with an emphasis on empowering new women's groups in Central Kalimantan, East Java en West Sumatra. “We are actually a fairly unique women’s organization. Our focus on gender equality and climate justice sets us apart from other organizations in Indonesia.”
Arma remains a tireless fighter for women's rights and social change, whose story is an inspiration to many who believe in the power of collective action and empowerment.
As an inspiring case of SP's impact, Arma talks about 'Charisma', the name of a group of rural women on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. "After only four years, and despite covid restrictions, the group is very dynamic and successful."
Charisma brings a new fresh swing to the village. The women work better together, agree on which products they will take to the market and help each other with sowing and maintaining their vegetable gardens. They also share their knowledge about organic farming and have a joint savings pot with which they support each other's investments. The results do not lie: the incomes in Charisma's network have increased and their self-confidence has received a huge boost.
This positive dynamic also ensures that women empowerment of the members themselves. Mimisitah, once a somewhat shy activist of the group, has grown to become its leader. It illustrates the change that Solidaritas Perempuan can bring about, both on a social and a more personal level.
Support Indonesian women with a donation
With your donation to 11.11.11 support the initiatives of rural women in Indonesia. Together we build an equal and safe society, there and here. Thank you for your support, you make the difference.
