Artwork #11: “Her Struggle”
By Da Proboning
This illustration portrays a woman wearing a kebaya—a traditional Indonesian blouse—blended with modern clothing, imprisoned behind iron bars. It symbolizes how, from generation to generation, women have struggled to access education on equal footing with men.
Patriarchy has been deeply rooted since the dawn of human civilization, positioning women as the "second" gender after men. Women are often confined to domestic roles and seen as “unfit” or even forbidden from entering sectors that could empower them, education being one of the most critical.
Gender discrimination, gender stereotypes, culture (tradition and customs), and social norms—like the heavy burden of preserving family honor—are patriarchal tools embedded in national policies, social expectations, and cultural systems. These forces have long hindered women’s access to education, posing significant challenges from the era of Kartini until today.
The color elements in this illustration are deliberately simple: black and white with hints of dark blue to convey a dramatic and emotional tone. The chalkboard-style font represents "school" or education, highlighting that it remains a challenge for women even in the present day.