Redefining Life: An Eye-Opening Experience
Endless unchecked ambitious lists — guide my everyday decisions in life. This. That. How. More prepared, please. Making life like a sprint in a marathon, but without a finish line. But life is more than that — it’s about collectively doing something that matters, and as what matters are very much subjective from one person to another, it’s about listening, not merely speaking to be heard.
I am very much blessed by the opportunity to live for five days in Gabungan Serikat Buruh Indonesia (Indonesian Labor Association Movement), an eye-opening experience — discussing labor workers in Indonesia on how tough it is for them due to the current legislation that does not even fulfill their basic needs as humans. Particularly women’s labor as one of the most vulnerable groups; women got sexually assaulted in the factory, physically, psychologically, and verbally. And what’s even sadder is how it is normalized as there are power relations between the boss and labor, men and women, which also hinder the fight of the victims.
Initially, it is due to the rooted patriarchal culture that views women as less than men, leading to unequal opportunities and rights that women receive. As a result, it constructs gender roles that men should be tough and aggressive while women are the opposite. Such socially constructed roles enable and normalize gender-based violence, as men should prove their superiority by treating women in a harmful way. Though Indonesia already has the Law on Sexual Violence Crimes, the level of implementation is far from perfect. And Indonesia has not yet ratified the ILO Convention No. 190, which specifically assures women’s protection in the workplace.
On a less legal note, and getting back to my self-reflection…
But most importantly, what we did there was so much more than learning about the landscape of labor rights in Indonesia. It was five days full of collective effort to make every day worthwhile, fun, and joyful. This helps me to redefine my life — what it is I exactly desire to feel. Surprisingly, that’s exactly what I needed. A shocking turning point in my life. A change in direction. A hope. Is it terrifying? Certainly. But is it also soul awakening? Undoubtedly.
That got me to think that life is indeed more than from one milestone to another; it’s more about the laughter we share, making people comfortable, accepting differences, and being happy despite all the struggles that life throws at you.
Grateful is indeed an overlooked feeling, yet so powerful to help us see life with a break in the clouds, leading to a more fulfilled life.
