JASS Southeast Asia

Like most Cambodian women, journalist Chantrea Koeut-Urgell knows how it feels to face gender inequality. Chantrea shares her experiences of growing up in a patriarchal society that considered women weak and their reputations easily stained. She shares her powerful story from childhood trauma to sexual harassment she’s faced at work.

Conducted by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and carried out by FAMM Indonesia, a women's organization co-created and accompanied by JASS, this research paper delves into the topic of young women's participation in politics and public spaces. Though intensely marginalized and subject to backlash, this study finds that young women may overcome the closing of space through creative community organizing that strengthens self-esteem, builds infromal relationships, and increases leadership capabilities.

Thousands of Southeast Asian women and men will join together in solidarity with women human rights defenders at risk during JASS Southeast Asia’s regional One Day, One Voice Campaign, which coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women. This year’s theme – “Stand Up For Women Human Rights Defenders” – will include a series of art performances, media events, peace marches, dialogues, bazaars, and film screenings to honor the brave women of Southeast Asia who are defending human rights and precious land and resources.

The majority of indigenous women of Indonesia face multiple challenges in their daily lives: being a woman, being an indigenous woman, and being a rural poor indigenous woman. For Pipi Supeni, an indigenous woman from the Dayak Benuaq tribe of East Kalimantan, being constantly in the margins is not a hopeless situation. Representing her organizations, she leads her community in raising indigenous women’s awareness of their rights. Read more…