In the last era of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, women could not get the opportunity to study, work, and even for going out of the house, and finally, they married at a young age. It happened in the Kartini era and before, around 1879- 1900 AC. For women who live in Indonesia, we have to live with its standard society and obey it. In the Netherland colonial-era, Kartini feels jealous of her women friends from abroad because they have the freedom. That Nederland’s women can access formal education, be scientists, and have the freedom to live their life. Kartini starts to write letters for her friend in abroad. She wants to be like them that women should chase their dreams. In Indonesia, Kartini becomes the inspiring woman of emancipation, who empowers women to move on and bravely chase their dreams.

Today, we live in an era where women have the freedom to chase their dreams in hand and do their activities. Some activities are still men dominant because some women still live in the standard society, which forbids them to do so. In some cases, married at teenage ages also still exist in some small rural areas in Indonesia. Some of them still think why women have to go for higher education and do such things because, in the end, they will only be a housewife. But in some cases, if we could think as a woman in this era, to be independent and get a good education, will at least help them such as :

1. The more we educate ourselves, the more we will aware and set our boundaries. If the worst happens, we already prepare to face it.
2. Being independent is not bad, because not all whole life goes well. Life will go up and down. If the worst happens, you ready to stand on your own.
3. Being independent and strong allows you to contribute to our society and nation because women could help and contribute to any opportunities.
4. Go, girl! Explore the world. Be strong women and have a new extraordinary experience. Women who like to travel and learn new things, new cultures, they will be more open-minded women in the future.

Independent and strong women are not about financially independent women, but in another way is to live on your own. You don’t need to make life more stressful than it already is. Being an independent woman means you are comfortable doing things on your own. How women could choose and decide because women have the right to choose what they want. That is why being independent could help you to go out of the problems which you want to out from a cage and live on your own.

Article by Mastin Rusmala
Edited by Hanifah