“In your experience, how does access to education contribute to breaking down barriers and empowering women, particularly in communities like those served by Stella's Child?”
Wati:
"Indonesia is among the most patriarchy nations in the world. It is a place where most people believe that men are the future for the family, that men are the ones that need to be taken care of, and the one that we as a women need to heard and honour. It is because of this that most Indonesian women grew up knowing that they have 3 roles as their obligation once they marry, a mother, a working parent, and carer of the ancestors. In most rural areas, due to the lack of access to better education these women lack knowledge and skills that leaves them unable to achieve gainful employment to fulfil their career roles.
Many women in Indonesia do not have the privilege to access to education because of the perception that it is not needed because, at the end of the day, they will become a housewife whose only responsibility is to take care of their husband and children. Luckily for me, I have had the privilege to access to education and I now realize we as a woman have the same potential as men."