Starting Point
RKUP (Women's Volunteers for Humanity) was founded on June 2, 1999, and is still active today. This organisation focuses on issues that women face, such as domestic, cultural, and structural violence. In addition, RKuP also carries out the task of assisting survivors or victims of conflict in Aceh.
The reason behind the formation of RKUP is women who have been victims of conflict, yet not receiving appropriate treatment from the government or community institutions. Women's experiences are often generalized; in Aceh, conflicts involving women are considered over. Therefore, RKuP is present on the side of the survivors to provide help and assistance.
Peace Journey
The presence of RKuP has become a part of the history of the women's movement in Aceh. RKuP has successfully advocated for women's rights, protection, and sustainable development, particularly among conflict-affected women.
The major challenges that RKuP faces today are related to the movement's regeneration and consistency. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find young people willing to work for peace and women's empowerment. The younger generation doesn’t remember the history of conflict and thus is reluctant to learn from it. Furthermore, fewer forums for discussion and complaints are willing to address the issue of women in civil society as censorship rises in prominence.
Success Stories
A major challenge for women in activism in Aceh is participation. Women are frequently excluded from conversations and decision-making. Women are not given enough space to participate in policy development even if they are invited.
Recognizing this reality, RKuP actively shares its knowledge and experience with those who require it. This knowledge transfer is usually documented in writing or visual form. So that people will understand the conditions experienced by women victims of conflict in Aceh. As a result, RKuP has become a safe space and has established a network in the Aceh area.