Jakarta (VNA) – The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia jointly hosted a ceremony on April 21 to celebrate Kartini Day - an annual occasion that honours the legacy of women’s liberation and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality in the country.
The annual event commemorates Raden Adjeng Kartini, a 19th-century Javanese noblewoman and pioneer of the Indonesian women’s rights movement, particularly in the areas of education and gender equity. Kartini emerged as a symbol of resistance during the Dutch colonial period, advocating for indigenous women’s right to education and greater social participation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi paid tribute to Kartini’s life and enduring influence. She highlighted the responsibility of today’s generation to uphold Kartini’s legacy in ways that respond to the evolving challenges of the modern era.
Women today are not only expected to speak up, but to act and take on leadership roles across all sectors of life, from the family and education to society and politics, Fauzi stated.
Sri Hartini from the Ministry of Culture noted that Kartini laid the groundwork for many of the rights and opportunities that women in Indonesia benefit from today.
The annual celebration is a moment to honour a woman who brought about significant progress, and to inspire contemporary Indonesian women to continue learning and contributing to society, she said.
The celebration featured artistic performances that brought to life key moments from Kartini’s journey and activism./.
