Lasinem, Education Division Coordinator, Women's School, Gresik, East Java

Abstract

Lasinem's story is part of a peer-reviewed edited volume of women's life stories that draws on detailed ethnographic research of village women's lived experiences and how they, individually and collectively, have taken action to influence village development in Indonesia's multi-level governance structure under the new Village Law in Indonesia. The analysis identifies the processes of women's empowerment, their involvement in grassroots women's collective action, engagement with civil society organisations, and how women influence village institutions, policies, development spending and priorities, and new projects as well as social norms in communities.

Lasinem lives in Gresik, East Java where KAPAL Perempuan and its local partner KPS2K (Women's Groups and Sources of Life) supported women to establish informal Women's Schools. Lasinem's involvement with the Women's School began when she attended one of their training sessions on women's leadership and social protection. Her growing critical gender awareness and group support has helped her improve the distribution of domestic chores in her home, influenced the way she educates her children, given her confidence when speaking in public and made her a dedicated advocate of women's rights. The insights she gained from Women's School training also awakened Lasinem's concern for unequal social rights, violence, and health issues experienced by women. As the district-level Women's School's Education Division Coordinator, Lasinem plays an important role in increasing women's participation and influence in village forums.