Seek to Speak Ain Aissa

In this final installment of this series, we continue to honor International Women's Day by featuring six compelling stories from the Demi Gadis Creative Writing Competition. This episode presents essays narrated in Bahasa Indonesia, with one in English, offering profound insights into gender equality, women's empowerment, and the unique challenges faced by women in Indonesia and Malaysia.
"Tumbuh Besar dalam Lingkungan KDRT" by Anggi Vebryan Eka Putri S: A personal account of growing up in an abusive household and the impact it had on self-esteem, trust, and future relationships."Menjadi Perempuan Bali dalam Budaya Patriarkis" by Ni Made Tasyarani: A reflection on the triple roles expected of Balinese women in family, economy, and tradition, and the challenges posed by a patriarchal society."Motherhood Is A Balancing Act" by Kanina Ramaniya Kalyana: Highlights the resilience of a mother managing both household duties and professional responsibilities, and the gender biases that impact career progression."Perempuan dan Isi Kepalanya" by Ayu Prawitasari: An exploration of gender equality and the need for supportive family structures, challenging societal norms and advocating for balanced gender roles."Pursuing Dreams Amidst Patriarchal Ideologies" by Fani Agustina Pangaribuan: The journey of a young woman from Papua who overcame societal and economic challenges to pursue her education and career dreams."Stigma dan Diskriminasi Janda" by Fauziah Kurniasari: An insightful look into the societal stigma faced by widows in Indonesia, and the struggles they encounter in the workforce and daily life.Acknowledgments:A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated volunteers for this episode: Elsa, Pitriasyana, Margaret, Sinta Damayanti, and Febiola, who lent their voices to bring these powerful stories to life.

In Part 2 of this series, we honor another six essays from the Demi Gadis Creative Writing Competition, spotlighting voices from Malaysia and Brunei. The entries offer diverse insights into gender equality, women's empowerment, and the varied societal challenges faced by women in these regions. A big thank you to the following authors for sharing their brave stories with us:
Sallyhani Hazman delves into personal narratives exploring struggles of self-identity and journeys toward independence in societies that often silence women.Sash discusses the impact of cultural constraints on women's lives and the pursuit of empowerment despite these obstacles.Etha examines how stereotypes affect the personal and professional lives of women and the importance of overcoming these stereotypes to achieve equality.Ari Shares stories of personal triumphs against societal and familial adversities, highlighting resilience and the pursuit of personal goals.Ruby Jusuh Explores how cultural heritage influences women's roles and responsibilities, and the potential for change and empowerment within traditional frameworks.Izzah Offers an insightful look into societal expectations imposed on women, detailing how breaking free from these norms is both a personal and communal struggle.
A heartfelt thank you also to our dedicated volunteers for this episode: Farisah, Kah Yi, Gurleen, Thirtana, Alison, and Sufia, who lent their voices to bring these powerful essays to life.

Empowering Voices: Essays on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment from women in Malaysia
In this special episode of Seek to Speak, we celebrate International Women's Day by sharing six essays from the Demi Gadis Creative Writing Competition. The essays, written by emarkable women, explore themes of gender equality, women's empowerment, and societal challenges, offering a deep and thought-provoking look into the diverse experiences and insights of women from different backgrounds.
Healing from Trauma by Chero: Chero recounts a survivor's journey, confronting societal constructs that perpetuate victim-blaming and finding empowerment in reclaiming her voice.Women's Struggles in Palestine by Nur Syariha: Nur Syariha Binti Masri reflects on the challenges faced by Palestinian women, highlighting their resilience and the need for support and empowerment.Traditional Gender Roles by Kheerthana: Kheerthana explores the realities of gender roles in different cultures, including the expectations placed on women in families and the societal norms that perpetuate inequality.Overcoming Societal Pressure by Mireverie: Mireverie's story demonstrates a woman's journey in breaking free from societal expectations, pursuing her own path, and finding self-empowerment through entrepreneurship, travel, and independence.Cultural Expectations and Duties by Puteri Nur: Puteri Nur's essay explores how cultural norms affect gender roles and how these pressures can be confronted and navigated.A Tale of Independence by Ashwini Ravan: Ashwini Ravan highlights the journey of a woman striving to break free from societal molds, embracing her independence, and achieving financial stability through entrepreneurship.Thank you to our volunteers who help voice the wonderful stories of authors, Ayuni, Casadra, Sunitha, Athirah, Li-Wei and Sharon.
For more information about the Demi Gadis competition, check out our socials at: https://www.instagram.com/demi.gadis/
Episode is produced by Renegade Radio.

In part 4 of this Special, you will listen to the final 11 stories that we have on gender equity! Yesssss, we are finally at the finishing line. If this is your first time listening to this special, please don’t forget to check out our episode 1, 2, and 3 to continue being inspired and in awe of the women and girls who shared their stories.
In this episode, we will hear experiences and opinions on equity and how it is different from equality, great observations on gender roles and unfair biases, as well as what we can do to do better. 

💜PART 4 AUTHOR & STORIES💜
1. Sofia A. - Nina
2. Mia - For the next generation
3. Sybil Yasin - Millennial Parents
4. Devy - L'ÉGALITÉ DES SEXES
5. Nufa Zulia - Jangan perkecilkan semangat aku
6. Anonymous- Strong Women
7. Amel - Bravery
8. Aina - Malaysia’s double standard
9. Flower - Women’s Potential
10. Yana Pekabee - Building a Fairer and More Justice Society
11. Tee Ying Yin - An environment that is equal, fair, and just for all

💜 PART 4 VOICE OVER VOLUNTEERS 💜
Ainaa, Aifa, Lingeswary, Celine Tan, Yashwini, Sharon, Vivien Lim Zhi Ling, Hani, Najihah, Eena, Alison

In this International Women’s Day special, we are celebrating the stories and experiences shared by all of you during our KisahKita short story competition with the theme, Embrace Equity. We received 43 entries from women and girls hailing from 10 different states with the youngest being 11 years old and the eldest being 54. We cherish the diversity in these stories they have been such a joy to read, compile and produced. 
In part 3 of this Special, you will listen to 10 stories tackling the issue of gender equity from the perspective of job opportunities and promotion, educational institutions, and family dynamics. Do check out our show notes for the full list of authors and voice-over volunteers for this episode. Do also check Part 1 and Part 2 of this special if you want to keep being inspired by the words and stories of women and girls in Malaysia.
Trigger warning: Stories shared here do touch on themes concerning gender discrimination and bias, schools, at the workplace and on a societal level. 

PART 3 AUTHOR & STORIES
cheekylizzy123 - This is for all the girls who dream Dum-E - The audacity of this womanKita tetap SAMA bersahabat - AMNA NAFISA BINTI SHAIFULa3ruh - let's #EmbraceEquity! #AndEquality!Ahnusha - I am a fearless woman Rheya N - biased education systemsYie - Meet our hero; AyuJanice Lai Yi Xuan - Biases & stereotypesAnonymous - Growing up as a girlTifa Tifalis - Nisha

In this International Women’s Day special, we are celebrating the stories and experiences shared by all of you during our KisahKita short story competition with the theme, Embrace Equity. We received 43 entries from women and girls hailing from 10 different states with the youngest being 11 years old and the eldest being 54. We cherish the diversity in these stories they have been such a joy to read, compile and produced. 
In part 2 of this Special, you will listen to 12 stories ranging from school place discrimination, gender roles, and family dynamics. To find out more about these stories, check out our show notes! Also! Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of this special which we released last Sunday - lots of great stories there too!

PART 2 AUTHOR & STORIES
Aeva Poon - Gender inequality is like folding an angel's wingsPoorni Villai Samy - Nevertheless, she persistedMimi - Punishment should be equalFoxy - Cerita SyaMisya - Embracing equity & breaking the structural barriers Nurul Irdina - Our differences are what distinguish usVV - Girls in STEMAireen - Maia & TobyVivien Lim Zhi Ling - Witnessing InequalityRin - Memperjuangkan hak-hak yang samaSofiya - Don't doubt yourselfMay A. - Juggling many responsibilities