Commemorating Kartini Day: Advocating Emancipation and Its Implementation in the Era of Industry 4.0
Every April 21st, the Indonesian nation commemorates Kartini Day to honor the struggle of a national hero whose name remains unforgettable: Raden Ajeng Kartini. Kartini, with her fervent spirit, fought for women’s rights, especially in education and emancipation. Raden Ajeng Kartini is known as a pioneer in the struggle for women’s emancipation and education in the early 20th century. Through her famous letters, Kartini voiced her desire to provide equal educational opportunities for women, liberating them from the shackles of patriarchal traditions, and advocating for gender equality. Although her life was relatively short, her legacy remains an inspirational beacon for many Indonesian women, even to the present generation, particularly in the era of Industry 4.0.
Kartini’s Struggle: Education and Women’s Emancipation
Kartini was born in 1879 in Jepara, Central Java, into a noble Javanese family. Despite being born into privilege, Kartini keenly felt the constraints imposed by tradition and customs on women of her time. She was moved to fight for women’s rights, particularly in the fields of education and freedom of expression.
Through her famous letters, Kartini conveyed her dreams and aspirations to provide proper education for women. She fought for women to be free to choose their own paths in life, rather than being bound by arranged marriages or limiting traditions. Kartini placed education as the key to liberating women from backwardness and dependence.
Implementation of Kartini’s Values in the Era of Industry 4.0
In the digital era dominated by Industry 4.0, Kartini’s values and ideologies remain relevant and can be applied in the following ways:
Inclusive Education: Kartini emphasized the importance of education for women. In the era of Industry 4.0, technology provides broader access to education through online platforms and distance learning. Women can utilize these resources to enhance their knowledge and develop the skills needed to thrive in various industries.
Economic Empowerment: Kartini dreamed of economically independent women. In the digital age, women have opportunities to become entrepreneurs through e-commerce platforms and social media. They can run their own businesses with relatively small capital and reach a wider global market.
Gender Equality: Kartini’s struggle for gender equality remains relevant in the era of Industry 4.0. Despite progress in advocating for gender equality, much work remains, especially in the male-dominated technology industry. It is important to continue advocating for equal opportunities and treatment in the workplace.
Digital Literacy: In the digital age, proficiency in technology and digital literacy is crucial. Kartini would encourage women to develop these skills to compete in an increasingly digitally connected job market.
Conclusion
Kartini Day is a moment to celebrate and honor the courage of a national hero. Kartini’s legacy is not only a reflection of the past but also a source of inspiration for the current and future generations. In the era of Industry 4.0 filled with technological advancements, Kartini’s values can be applied to advocate for equality, inclusive education, and women’s empowerment. Through knowledge, skills, and Kartini’s spirit of struggle, women can become strong agents of change in creating a fairer and more inclusive future for all. (PYC)
