Women Do Matter

Malang, 08 Maret 2018

How significant are women in this world? As unimportant as a spec of a dust? Or as important as the air we breathe? In many countries, women have their own freedom to pursue their life, to be what they dream of, to go wherever they want, and to have their own basic rights. We can see a lot of great women raise up, speak up, and act. They become teachers, doctors, politicians, leaders, and the best mothers for their children. Yet, not all women are as lucky as they are. There are a lot more women who are badly oppressed and treated just because plenty of people out there think women’s main functions are just giving birth, taking care of kids, and cooking meals.

As a girl who has lived in a conservative society, I’ve seen and experienced being judged by those who think women are insignificant. People keep saying that girls don’t need good and high education since they eventually will end up at the kitchen, serve meals to family, give birth, and change diapers. 1 and 2 family members of mine keep trying to brainwash me with that thought. My grandmother even brutally said to me that I should stop studying in college and get married. She said that when I was still 18 and I just started to chase my dreams. Fortunately, my parents disagree with that old-fashioned point of view and they support me to the best extend. Thank God. You’ve sent me the best parents in the world!

I never agree with the idea that women’s destiny is just at house. Or the idea that says women can’t significantly contribute something to the society or the whole world and they don’t deserve knowledge and education. This thought of mine is strengthened by the facts about what happened to the girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are gruesomely treated as insignificant living creatures.

Two weeks ago I just finished reading a very inspiring yet heart-breaking book, I Am Malala. Malala shared her story about how hard to live as girls in Pakistan. They don’t get their basic rights there. The government doesn’t provide good education for the citizens especially for girls. Even going to school is such a taboo. And everything became worse when Taliban invaded them, destroyed the schools, and banned them because they think education for girls is kind of heretical doctrine. Oh God! It has never been stated in Al Quran and Hadith that education is forbidden for girls! Even Allah Himself asks us to read and The Prophet Muhammad says to pursue knowledge to China.

Women have the same basic rights as men do. We deserve to live happily. We deserve social, physical, sexual, and mental securities. We deserve education. We deserve freedom in giving opinion. We deserve freedom in practicing our religion and belief. We deserve freedom itself. Yet, a lot of unfortunate women are harassed sexually and mentally. And this is indeed a human right violence. It’s time to be aware that women do matter. We took part in history. Without a doubt, we will always be a part of this world future.

It's March 8th! Happy International Women’s Day 2018! We do matter. And we deserve the best!

Image taken from this site

Education is one of the basic rights women deserve.