Gerwani

Gerwani

Gerakan Wanita Indonesia
Gerakan Wanita Indonesia
Abbreviation	Gerwani
Formation	1950
Type	Women's organization
Headquarters	Indonesia
Official language	Indonesian
Chairperson	Various over time

Gerwani (Gerakan Wanita Indonesia, or the Indonesian Women's Movement) was a prominent women's organization in Indonesia, active primarily from the 1950s until its dissolution in 1965. It played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and was closely associated with the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI).

History

Gerwani was founded in 1950, emerging from the merger of several smaller women's organizations that had been active during the Indonesian National Revolution. The organization quickly grew in size and influence, becoming one of the largest women's groups in Indonesia by the early 1960s.

Early Years

In its early years, Gerwani focused on issues such as women's suffrage, education, and health. The organization was instrumental in campaigning for the inclusion of women's rights in the new Indonesian constitution and worked to improve literacy rates among women.

Association with the PKI

By the late 1950s, Gerwani had developed close ties with the PKI, which was one of the largest communist parties in the world at the time. This association led to increased political activism, with Gerwani members participating in land reform campaigns and advocating for workers' rights.

1965 and the Anti-Communist Purge

The turning point for Gerwani came in 1965, following the failed coup attempt known as the 30 September Movement. The Indonesian government, led by Suharto, accused the PKI and its affiliates, including Gerwani, of being involved in the coup. This led to a violent anti-communist purge, during which hundreds of thousands of people were killed, and many more were imprisoned.

Gerwani was banned, and its members were persecuted. The organization was vilified in the media, with false accusations of immoral behavior being used to justify the crackdown.

Legacy

Despite its dissolution, Gerwani's legacy continues to be a subject of study and debate. The organization's role in advocating for women's rights and its association with the PKI have made it a controversial topic in Indonesian history.

Also see

• Communist Party of Indonesia
• 30 September Movement
• Suharto
• Indonesian National Revolution
• Women's rights in Indonesia