In the midst of an information flow that often marginalizes women’s roles in strategic issues, Gemawan held a space for deep reflection through G-Talks (Gemawan Team Agenda Learning and Knowledge Sharing). Carrying the theme “Planting Narratives, Reaping Change: Strengthening Women’s Stories and Natural Resource Management,” this discussion was held at Rumah Gesit Borneo on Thursday (05/02/2026) as an effort to dismantle stigma while building fairer and more transformative information.
The agenda brought together various civil society elements from CSOs, NGOs, grassroots communities, and journalists, with one main focus: reclaiming public space from narratives that have long been dominated by patriarchal and exploitative perspectives.
More Than Just a Discussion: Voicing Strategic Justice Issues
The Director of Gemawan, Laili Khainur, in her opening remarks, emphasized that G-Talks is not merely a routine agenda but rather an effort to voice what has long been silenced by the system. According to her, talking about gender in Natural Resource (NR) management is talking about fundamental justice.
“This G-Talks is our collective way of voicing what has long remained unheard. Talking about gender means we are talking about justice issues. Gender is not only about women but also about men and all the social structures within them,” explained Laili.
She stressed that there are many stories of struggle to survive and thrive at the grassroots level that rarely receive attention or a platform.
“We want to lift those stories. Stories of resilience that are often considered ordinary, even though they are a form of resistance,” she asserted.
Administration as a Barrier Limiting Women’s Rights
The discussion became more critical when entering a more structural realm. Arniyanti, a Gemawan activist and one of the speakers, highlighted how state administration often becomes a subtle tool of oppression for women who manage their natural environment.
“In administrative records, many women are only listed as Housewives (IRT) on their National ID Cards (KTP), even though in reality they are farmers cultivating the land every day. There is a serious structural problem when we talk about NR but ignore this identity recognition,” said Arni.
She invited participants to imagine the impact of such labeling: how women lose their rights to access land management schemes or agricultural assistance simply because their profession is not considered a valid option on the ID card column.
Putri Lestari, from Keep Earth Borneo (KEB), who also spoke, added that these administrative barriers can certainly lead to limited access to space and movement for women in decision-making.
“Because access to training often requires a certain employment status, women end up being marginalized. Men then become more dominant in strategic decisions related to Natural Resources, while women who have direct contact with the land are not involved,” explained Putri.
Narrative as a Weapon of Resistance
From a communication perspective, Siti Salbiyah from Jurnalis Perempuan Khatulistiwa (JPK/Equatorial Women Journalists) explained that how we tell a story determines the outcome of future advocacy. She strongly criticized the pattern of reporting on Natural Resources and women, which tends to sell “sadness” without offering solutions or hope.
“Issues of Natural Resources and women often only highlight the sadness, even though behind natural disasters and land conflicts, there are many interesting and inspiring stories. Narratives that move people could be written by us,” said Siti.
Siti believes that narrative writing can become a powerful means of disseminating information, and can even pressure destructive policies.
“Honest and partisan narratives can become a force to stop reckless exploitation permits,” she asserted.
This reflection on narrative as a weapon was validated by Jiro, a participant from a grassroots community in Pontianak. He observed that resistance does not have to be large-scale because small acts are also a form of resistance.
“Women’s narratives about small victories, such as successfully maintaining their collective garden, are also a highly impactful form of resistance, proving that they have sovereignty over their own lives,” responded Jiro.
Collective, Cross-Generational Movement to Break Down the Walls of Systemic Inequality
Closing the interactive discussion, Laili Khainur reaffirmed that the main enemy currently faced is the oppressive system and deeply rooted patriarchal culture. According to Laili, the solution is to build sovereignty through collective movements involving young people.
“Our way of thinking must be out of the box. Young people must take on roles, seek experiences, and bring resistance as a form of art and creativity into environmental issues,” concluded Laili.
This G-Talks activity is expected to serve as a spark for activists and journalists to start producing content that is more gender-sensitive and oriented towards environmental sustainability. Gemawan is committed to continuously providing collaborative spaces for anyone who wants to work together in voicing equality.
Authors: Ersa Dwiyana & Feby, Gemawan