From Gender Roles to Economic Realities: The Need of Affordable Education
By: Indah Handayani
When I was a child, I used to play around with my friends, and one day, I casually asked them about their aspirations for continuing their studies. One of them replied, “I don’t want to continue my studies because it’s not important. We’re girls; we don’t need education. We’ll just take care of our homes, serve our husbands, and be good wives.” At that moment, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of her words. We were just little girls, after all, with a limited understanding of what it meant to be a wife.
A year passed, and I knew that my friend indeed did not continue her education. She dropped out after the fifth grade. It was disheartening to see her miss out on completing elementary school. Ohh that was bad.
It’s a common story in my city, unfortunately. You know which city I’m talking about; I don’t need to mention its name. The real question is: why do such notions arise in the minds of young girls?
Alright, let me tell you, there was a stigma that women’s duty was being cooking, dressing up, and giving birth had influenced this greatly. This stigma had been passed down from generation to generation. From a young age, girls were often taught that their primary role in life was to become good wives and mothers, rather than pursuing their own aspirations and dreams. This societal expectation limited their ambitions and reinforced the idea that education was unnecessary for them. As a result, many young girls grew up believing that their worth was tied solely to their ability to fulfill traditional gender roles, rather than their intellect or potential.
But, calm down, okay. It was. It’s in the past now. The stigma about women not needing higher education no longer applies. Why? Because in my city, going to higher education is not considered important for both men and women. Instead of pursuing further education, many of them choose to focus on making money. In my city, it’s easy to earn a living as long as you have skills like sewing for women or working as laborers to produce batik for men. Well, even though you will not be paid much, at least instead of going to school where it will cost a lot, it’s better to work. Isn’t it ironic?
This situation highlights the shifting priorities and economic realities in my city. While education is often considered a pathway to success, the prevailing belief is that practical skills and immediate income are more valuable than pursuing higher education. It’s ironic that in a society where education was once devalued for women, now both men and women prioritize work over schooling due to economic pressures. Therefore, this underscores the need for accessible and affordable education is crucial for everyone.
Let us remember the words by Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
While my city has seen a shift in priorities towards practical skills and immediate income, it is crucial not to underestimate the transformative power of education. Accessible and affordable education is essential for everyone, regardless of gender, to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. As we move forward, let us strive to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to pursue their aspirations and dreams through education.
Mba Indah Handayani merupakan Kepala PKBM Sogan. Kalian dapat mengunjungi sosial medianya di instagram @indah_senja. Kalian juga bisa mengamati kegiatan kami di Sokola Sogan. Serta mendukung kami dengan membeli merchandise di Sogan Store. Terima Kasih.
