Unable to Work - Busy with Traditional Affairs makes Balinese Women Confused about Getting Married
LBH Bali WCC press conference and Aksi! for gender, social and ecological justice at a hotel in Denpasar City, Wednesday (6/12/2023). Photo: I Wayan Sui Suadnyana/detikBali
Women in Bali have anxiety or confusion about deciding to marry. It is feared that marriage will eliminate Balinese women's freedom to work and be busy with traditional matters.
Indications of women's fear of marrying in Bali for work reasons and traditional matters were revealed by the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Bali Women Crisis Center (WCC). LBH Bali WCC came to this finding after discussions with several parties.
“Young people today are anxious and confused about whether deciding to get married is a good thing,” said LBH Bali WCC Director Ni Nengah Budawati at a press conference in Denpasar City, on Wednesday (6/12/2023).
Women on Dewata Island are afraid that they will lose their job opportunities after marriage. They are also afraid that the new family in the husband's house will not be able to support it if Balinese women choose to continue working after marriage.
“Does the new family support women's decisions to work by showing their intellect and creativity,” explained Budawati.
Apart from worries about working after marriage, Balinese women are also afraid of being confused by customs, culture, and religion. They can continue to work, but they will not be able to escape busy cultural matters.
“This is becoming an anxiety among young people now. It turns out young people think that without us realizing it,” said Budawati.
Budawati revealed that Balinese women's anxiety in deciding about marriage becomes even more frightening when discussed. However, from this discussion, a solution finally emerged so that women's lives could be better after marriage.
“The more discussion, the scarier it is. But there is also the consideration that you shouldn't worry, you shouldn't be afraid, there is a solution where women hope for good,” explained Budawati.
For your information, LBH Bali WCC and Aksi! for gender, social, and ecological justice are highlighting gender inequality in Bali, one of which is in the traditional order. They fought for recognition of the role of women in traditional law and culture in Bali.