TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – In the conclusion of the 16 days of activism against gender violence in Indonesia since November 25, the campaign organizer arranged an event called “UNiTE” to spread awareness of gender-based Violence through music and stand-up comedy.
The musical performance will include Hara, The Dare, and Yacko, along with a stand-up comedy titled “Comedy for Equality,” featuring six Indonesian comedians mentored by Sakdiyah Ma’ruf. The event was held at M Bloc Square, Jakarta, on December 10, 2022.
As the level of violence that on Women in Indonesia continue to increase, the event gives the opportunity to the approach of music and comedy as a medium to gather public support. Indonesian female stand-up comedian, Sakdiyah Ma’ruf, said that comedy in sharing everyday experiences can draw the audience’s attention to neglected issues, especially violence against women.
“Comedy can’t directly change behavior, but it could encourage a discussion on sensitive issues that could help resist stigma and stereotypes,” said Sakdiyah Ma’ruf.
Musician Hara (Rara Sekar Larasati), shared her views on music as a medium of knowledge to convey messages and values that produce empathy, solidarity and collective action against violence.
“Either they are aware or not, music has its importance in conveying that there is a lot of violence happening around us, especially against women,” said Rara.
According to the report of the National Commission on Violence against Women, gender-based violence in 2022 and in the last five years experienced 36% psychological violence, 33% sexual violence, 18% physical violence, and 13% economic violence.
The commissioner of the National Commission on Violence against Women, Mariana Amiruddin, said that violence against women is happening more and more because of the lack of reinforcement of the mentality, which makes many victims of violence afraid to speak.
According to her, Indonesia still lacks services and facilities to help victims of violence rebuild their mentality.
The UNiTE event is organized by the French Embassy, the Indonesian Français Institute, and the United Nations Agency in Indonesia – UNDP, UNFPA, UN Information Center, UN Women and WHO in collaboration with the National Commission on Violence against women and Jakarta Feminist.
IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERNAL)
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