Starting Point
Relawan Perempuan untuk Kemanusiaan (RKuP), also known in English as Women's Volunteers for Humanity, was founded on June 2, 1999, and remains active today. This organisation focuses on women’s issues, such as domestic, cultural, and structural violence. In addition, RKuP also assists survivors of conflict in Aceh.
The reason behind the formation of RKuP is that women who have been victims of conflict have not received appropriate attention from the government or community institutions. Women's experiences are often generalised, particularly in Aceh, once conflicts are considered over. Therefore, RKuP exists to provide help and assistance for the survivors.
Peace Journey
Participation is a significant challenge for women in activism in Aceh. Women are frequently excluded from conversations and decision-making, and they are not given enough space to participate in policy development, even if they are invited.
Recognising this reality, RKuP actively shares its knowledge and experience with those who require it. This knowledge transfer is typically documented in written or visual form, enabling people to understand the conditions experienced by women victims of conflict in Aceh. As a result, RKuP has become a safe space and established a network in the Aceh area.
However, the organisation faces a serious challenge in ensuring the movement's regeneration and consistency. In this case, finding young people who are willing to work for peace and women's empowerment is becoming increasingly complex. The younger generation does not remember the history of conflict and is thus reluctant to learn from it. Furthermore, as censorship rises in prominence, fewer forums for discussion and complaints are willing to address the issue of women in civil society.
Success Stories
The presence of RKuP has become a part of the history of the women's movement in Aceh. It has successfully advocated for women's rights, protection, and sustainable development, particularly among women affected by conflict.