Erma's Story

In APFF I learned new methods, new ways of delivering messages. For example, at the beginning of APFF, each team promote their sessions in a unique way. Some were reading poem, singing together, singing alone, and use storytelling. There are many ways to convey a message that is more interesting and engaging audience.

I also attended a session titled "Feminist Movie: And You Thought You Knew Me". I learned about making films for social change in the sense to invite the community to change using film as reflection of their daily lives. I learned about the theory of making the film, in which there should be a strong concept of the story and the way of delivering a message so that we took every scene in careful manner.

APFF left deep impression because it facilitate me to know more about women's issues and stories that exist outside Indonesia context. In this forum I learned about issues and lives of women in Pakistan, India, Cambodia, and other countries. I was surprised to hear several cases that were and still happen in some countries. There is a different feeling of reality when you meet and hear the story directly from the person than watching it in movies or read it on the internet.

I'm also happy because I can share experiences and campaigns. One was an online campaign FAMM/JASS made about Eva Bande case which got enthusiast response from many participants. It also made me thinking that the culture of violence occurred in various countries whereas the violent offenders are not penalized. Women activists in various countries has worked together to address it. Those individual or groups efforts undertaken in each country then met each other in this forum.

In another session, the facilitator encourages for regional campaigns where we identified the most urgent issues. One was about the democratic process in Thailand as the host country.

At a session hosted by JASS, I was reminded again of the many dimensions of power and its impact on women's lives. Many times I become less and less aware of the power that shape my way of thinking, my families, and my communities. It served as a moment to remind me on the level of my critical awareness.

At the end of the event, participants are invited to dance along to release the burden, fatigue, and stress. In this section, all participants were holding hands, smiling at each other, greeting each other, hugging each other, moving their bodies, and danced in pairs to feel a deeper unity. In this relaxation session participants learn to move with the movement. This is very impressive because everyone adjust to the rhythm of other's, on the other hand they are also free to dance at will. To me, this is a pleasant experience.

Translated :

By. Niken Lestari

members of the Forum of Young Indonesian Women Activists (FAMM-Indonesian)