Kasihan – Some time ago the Commissariat of Muhammadiyah Students Association of Faculty of Politics and Social Sciences (Komisariat Ikatan Mahasiswa Muhammadiyah Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Politik), Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta held a discussion on Affirmative Action or empowerment action for women’s participation on political arena as currently women still have no freedom or independence to share their aspirations both in action and/or voicing their critiques and ideas/thoughts. This seminar invited Jessica Starr Boz, an American Muslim Observer, The Chairman of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Central Executive, Norma Sari, S.H, M.Hum, and the member of DPRD DIY, Istianah Z, S.H, M.Hum. The three keynote speakers voiced their opinions related to the lack of female representative in political arena in order to expand 30% quota. This is done to encourage people that political awareness had to be seen from its quality not from physical appearance or through imagery.
The national seminar was held on Friday (5/16) on the 5th floor of AR Fahruddin B Building of UMY. It was held, to uphold its theme on Affirmative Action, to discuss on whether the positions acquired by women in political arena is just to meet the quota or that women have the capability to earn the position in the arena. On the other hand, most of the women who acquired seats in the parliament sometimes were less-educated and they did not have clear knowledge on what they did in the parliament. As in fact, women have extraordinary opportunity to acquire the position as the quota of 30% is considered high for Indonesia. We, as university students, of course must have the knowledge in social sciences.
According to Suyoto as the Chairman of IMM FISIP UMY, on his opinion about gender, “this is how we construct the society, particularly the introduction of women in the society. The establishment of IMMAwati is a forum for women and their relations to campus life and environment, where it is hoped that there will be ideas and thoughts to hold a seminar to promote the women movement. It is expected that this national seminar will raise people’s (both men and women) awareness on the involvement of our affirmative action movement in an organization.” (Irma) (bayu) (dzar)