CELEBRATING WOMEN’S TRIUMPHS
Did you know that, according to the United Nations, women earn 23 percent less than men globally? That women occupy only 24 percent of parliamentary seats worldwide? Or that one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence?
In spite of the great strides that have been made since the 1960s, we still don’t live in a gender equal world. As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and also Women’s History Month throughout March, let’s remember that celebrating women’s achievements and increasing visibility, while calling out inequality, is key.
This issue celebrates the triumphs of three inspiring young Indonesian women: Dian Sastrowardoyo, Tara Basro and Nadine Chandrawinata. Dian has gone from actress to movie producer. She tells us about her upcoming production Guru-Guru Gokil and about the importance of women’s empowerment in the film industry. “A lot of the time, a woman’s portrayal in a movie is being told from a male perspective, which sets an incredibly unrealistic standard for women,” she points out.
Success in her chosen profession has encouraged Tara Basro, star of Perempuan Tanah Jahanam and Gundala, to be vocal about issues of body positivity, self-love and selfacceptance. “The journey of accepting and loving yourself is different for everyone,” she points out. “I am not saying that it’s easy, it’s not at all easy. Even for me, until today I still struggle.”
Nadine is a great inspiration to others through her environmental campaigning work. “No matter who you are, you can be whatever you want to be,” she declares. “Especially in this modern era, the roles of men and women have become very fluid. I’m proud with myself that I managed to persevere and show the world what I wanted to achieve. As women, we are blessed in that we can be strong yet tender at the same time.”
Empowering women and girls all 12 months of the year is the quickest way to change the world and the course of history. Indonesia still has a long way to go, but no country in the world has reached full gender equality yet. The good news is, that’s changing rapidly.
Whether it’s to read about women’s empowerment, the state of the environment, living holistically or a host of other issues, please make sure you never miss an issue of Prestige. Turn to page 150 for news of our latest subscription offer. Follow us online at prestigeonline.com, and keep up with our social media posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.