HERSTORY: Harassment Eradication Through Awareness Raising Regarding Equality

Rape culture is a condition in society that normalizes the occurrence of acts that refer to rape. Some examples of normalized rape culture include catcalling, rape jokes, stalking, and unwanted touch (Jaime & Cervix, 2018). Stated by The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), sexual harassment and abuse have risen significantly during the pandemic and from January to October in 2020, there were 659 cases of online sexual harassment or abuse that have been reported. In order to expand public awareness regarding rape culture and rights of women, SCORA and SCORP CIMSA Universitas Gadjah Mada present “HERSTORY: Harassment Eradication Through Awareness Raising Regarding Equality”.

In collaboration with PETRA, HREF, and Rifka Annisa, two pre-project training (PPT) were held on April 5th and 7th, 2021 which were attended by volunteers and the organizing committee to increase their knowledge about rape culture. Some of the topics covered in the training include the basics of rape culture and its situation in Indonesia and were done through presentations, Focus Group Discussions, and role-plays.

Moreover, HERSTORY also held an air campaign through Instagram including the publication of Overheard regarding rape culture in society. We also upload a video containing public opinion about rape culture, as well as community messages for perpetrators and victims of rape culture. In addition, the HERSTORY committee and volunteers uploaded a creative video on rape culture education so that we can expand the impact of this activity.

On April 16, 2021, we held a Social Action with Yayasan Rumah Impian Indonesia (YRII) where the organizing committee and volunteers educate street children regarding rape culture, gender stereotypes, and the importance of body mapping. We also held an Art Class where drawings will be scanned, printed, and sold as a form of crowdfunding for YRII.

As the peak activity of HERSTORY, we held a workshop attended by 30 participants with speakers from the Indonesian Women’s Coalition, Girls Can Lead, and Hollaback Jakarta entitled “Progression of Women’s Rights” and a webinar entitled “Empowering Women’s Participation in Societal Growth” with Kak Rani Hastar and Bu Yusnaningsi Kasim as speakers which were attended by 130 participants. The last series of HERSTORY is a Virtual Exhibition which is included as a part of CIMSA Anniversary Project 2021. It showcases HERSTORY’s journey including the work of YRII’s children during the previously mentioned Art Class.