Date:
Author: Ryan Richard Rihi
Jakarta, Indonesia – Young people’s experiences and hopes about the struggle to end violence against women came to creative life at the Painting for Peace: ARTivism to End Violence against Women event at the Creative Hall in M Bloc Space, Jakarta.
UN Women Indonesia organized the 7 December 2024 event with the National Gender Youth Activist organization as part of the annual global campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. The Government of the Netherlands provided funding.
Guided by professional illustrator Anisa Azalia, 25 people aged 18-35 from diverse identities and communities crafted acrylic paintings to express their perspectives on pressing social issues.
“Through brushstrokes, colour choices, and the stories embedded in each artwork, art allows audiences to deeply feel the emotions being conveyed,” Azalia told the group. “Art also creates a safe space for both artists and audiences to engage in dialogue, collaborate with organizations, and open doors to real social action.”
Flowers, bright colours, and doves of peace adorned many of the artworks the participants produced.
The participants also shared the inspirations behind their artwork and supported one another. In deeply personal narratives, they talked about how women struggle against violence, from domestic abuse to public harassment. They spoke of discrimination in education. child marriage, and the critical need for safe spaces. They called for supporting survivors and encouraged bravery in speaking up.
One of the most poignant paintings was that by Anindyajati Priyandita, portraying the struggles of neurodivergent women against violence. Priyandita, 27, works at Yayasan Komunitas ADHD Indonesia (Indonesian ADHD Community Foundation), where she helps people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
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“Violence against women with neurodevelopmental conditions must come to an end,” Priyandita said. “We, too, have the right to live and to be valued as human beings with dreams and aspirations we strive to achieve. Like flowers in a garden, we are a cluster of blooms waiting for our moment to flourish.”
Another standout was Tiara Sophie Trinita’s painting of a city where public transportation is safe and welcoming for women. Trinita, 22, actively advocates for women’s participation in public spaces in Jakakta.
In selecting participants for the event, the organizers gave priority to inclusivity, particularly for groups often marginalized or facing social challenges: individuals with disabilities, diverse gender and sexual identities, religious and belief minorities, Indigenous communities, ethnic minorities, survivors of violence, people living with HIV/AIDS, people involved in health and social issues, neurodivergent individuals, and students. The organizers also selected people advocating for social justice, environmental sustainability, and empowerment.
After the art event, UN Women Indonesia launched a social media campaign from 14 to 17 December 2024 to encourage youths across the country to oppose gender-based violence. In Instagram posts, the participants explored themes like gender equality, youth engagement in ending violence, and creating peaceful communities.
Salman Al Farici, 21, wrote: “Every 10 minutes, a woman somewhere in the world is killed. This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a harsh reality we must change!”
He called for young people, particularly men, to actively stand against this violence and create a culture of respect. Nuzulul Sa’diyah, a 23-year-old woman, wrote: “Violence is a social issue that demands action from all layers of society. Every woman and child deserves to live free from violence and to have their dignity respected.”