International Women’s Day 2021: For Women in Indonesia
International
Women's Day 2021:
For Women In Indonesia
I can vividly remember the stark difference in lifestyle change as I moved from Singapore to Jakarta, Indonesia. Being a Singaporean, life became different in Jakarta. However, I have Indonesian relatives, which means I am also somewhat Indonesian.
After spending many years here in Indonesia, certain experiences must be shared about the positive treatment of women in Indonesia.
This International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021, I would like to help celebrate the wonderful treatment of women in Indonesia! Everyone is different. However, here is a highlight of the treatment of women that I found out whilst living in Indonesia:
1. WOMEN CAN TRAVEL ANYWHERE
My love for travel has made the freedom for women’s travel from Indonesia, a very important component. Women, within reason, can freely travel around the city in Indonesia that they are residing in, around other parts of Indonesia, as well as, travel abroad out of Indonesia. This privilege applies to both Indonesians and non-Indonesians who reside in Indonesia with the desire to travel.Â
During my residence in Indonesia, I have successfully explored Canada, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, the United States of America, Singapore, and other parts of Indonesia too. Some of these countries have been traveled to for an uncountable amount of time.Â
2. MY FEE WAS DOUBLED
Recently, I was engaged in a project to which I was asked for the cost of the project. Hearing the price, the Founder and CEO of the company who is an Indonesian man, stated that he would like to double my fee. I was grateful.
3. MET WOMEN FOUNDERS AND CEOs IN INDONESIA OF START-UPS AND SUCCESSFUL CORPORATIONS
Whether for fellowships or formal business meetings, I have gotten to meet women in Indonesia who are Founders and CEOs of companies varying from Start-Ups to successful Corporations. The opportunities for women in the workplace in Indonesia are wide and vast.
4. I WAS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN INDONESIA
Growing up in Indonesia, my parents placed me with an International education. During this period of schooling, I have gotten to know many expatriates from different parts of Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, amongst others due to our programs.
After the schooling years were over, I just simply obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Science, Integrated Marketing Communications with Honors Cum Laude, which only encompassed 4 years of my life–3,5 years worth of classes, where the last half a year was spent writing my thesis remotely.
All in all, Indonesia has allowed women to participate in global international education systems while residing in Indonesia. This has given women who reside in Indonesia an opportunity for educational advancements, which allows those with educational advancements to participate in international dialogues.
5. WOMEN'S FREEDOM TO EXPRESS
Finally, I am grateful for the fact that women in Indonesia have the freedom to express themselves in their expression be it in arts or academics. Women in Indonesia can liberally dress following the fashion arts scene, sing alongside the chart-topping lyrics with regards to their persona, and contribute to the academic community with the subject of their interest, amongst other expressions.
Through this International Women’s Day blog post, I hope that you, just like me, appreciate this positive aspect of how women have been treated in Indonesia no matter where they come from. Happy International Women’s Day!
