SEKOPER Women: breaking gender barriers
“Once afraid to speak, now we raise our voices. Once ignored, now we demand change. With training and persistence, we claim our place and our rights.” Lilik, women leaer of SEKOPER:
In the village of Kesamben Kulon, a group of women is rewriting the rules. SEKOPER, a local women’s empowerment initiative, is helping women find their voices, advocate for their rights, and lead change in their communities. Through Musrenbang Perempuan meetings, they have created a space where women can speak up, share concerns, and push for meaningful action.
Lilik remembers how difficult it once was. “The training and the meetings helped me overcome my fear of the men in uniform at regular government meetings. Now, I can speak in public.” Today, she represents SEKOPER in village and district meetings, a respected voice for women’s rights.
Facing resistance, pushing forward
Progress has not come easily. Many members initially faced opposition at home. Husbands resisted, questioning why their wives needed to attend meetings. “We were hesitant to speak publicly, afraid of judgment and ridicule,” says Nur. Even within the village administration, SEKOPER struggled to be taken seriously. “We submit proposals for new activities at every village meeting, even when we’re not invited,” explains Ivani. “We know we have a right to village funds. Even if we face insults, we will keep fighting.”
Despite these challenges, their efforts are making a difference. The number of early marriages in the village has dropped, thanks to their advocacy. In 2017, their persistence led to a government decree setting an age limit to help prevent child marriage. “Our dream is for everyone to have equal rights and live free from violence, especially children,” Ivani adds.
From gender equality to environmental action
SEKOPER’s mission extends beyond social change. Waste management has become an urgent issue in Kesamben Kulon. “We are determined to reduce waste in our village, but without proper facilities, it’s a challenge,” says Ivani. Lilik emphasizes the need for lifestyle changes. “We also need to convince people to stop buying soda in bottles and instant noodles packed in plastic, starting with our own children.”
SEKOPER is part of the Aksi Brantas Project, which empowers women to lead community-based environmental initiatives along the Brantas River Basin.
At the AKSI Brantas Women’s Empowerment Workshop in May 2023, Siti reflected on the potential of green business. “Some of our members make cotton bags, snacks, reusable cloth diapers, and sanitary towels. They just need encouragement to sell their products. With 330 female members, we already have a potential market of 330 families.” Over the next year, SEKOPER will focus on improving washable diapers and sanitary towels while advocating for proper waste management facilities.
Working towards a zero-waste village
Gathering household waste data is one of their next steps. “We’re collecting information on the types and amount of waste we produce so we can push for a village waste system,” says Lilik. They aim to establish composting and recycling programs, reducing household waste.
Their latest initiative, the Cahaya Sukses Refill Store, encourages women to adopt waste-free shopping. “In poorer communities, people buy detergent and food in single-use sachets because it seems cheaper. But our refill system lets them buy only what they need, saving money and reducing plastic waste,” Siti explains.
The journey continues
SEKOPER’s story is one of determination, resilience, and hope. By breaking gender barriers and promoting sustainability, they are transforming Kesamben Kulon. Their work is far from over, but each step forward brings them closer to their goals of equality and environmental responsibility.