Strategic Focus

The project will build the confidence of women at the grassroots so that they can become autonomous agents of change able to advocate on laws and policies that impact on women. The project will build their knowledge of relevant laws, including Law No.18/2012 on food, Law No.19/2003 on the protection and empowerment of farmers, Law No. 7/2004 on the management of water, Law No.6 / 2014 on the village, Law No.7 / 1984 on CEDAW, and Presidential Instruction No.9 / 2000 on gender mainstreaming.

The Feminist and Transformative Leadership School System piloted by the project will include training on how set up local community projects based on the principles and practices of Social Solidarity Economy. Such training will include the management of water and agriculture for the collective well-being of all community members.

Some Indonesian laws and policies promote the inclusion of women’s human rights in decision-making about village developments. These include Law No.6 /2014 on the Village, Law No. 7/1984 about CEDAW, and Presidential Instruction No.9/2000 on Gender Mainstreaming. Although the implementation of these laws and policies is still inadequate, there are nevertheless opportunities for advocacy. Significantly, one factor is the inadequate understanding of local Government officials about how the principles of CEDAW and Gender Mainstreaming can be implemented in planning village developments in a way that is sustainable and gender-equitable. The flip side is that women with strengthened capacity in advocacy can provide the knowledge needed by these officials.