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NTT journalist wins prize for dedication in gender equality, human rights
"I dedicate this award to women and children who suffer from injustice; [they] are the very reason why I started writing and became a journalist."
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Gadrida Rosdiana Djukana, the 2020 winner of the SK Trimurti Award from the Alliance of Independent Journalist (AJI). (JP/Djemi Amnifu)
For Gadrida Rosdiana Djukana, the editor-in-chief of East Nusa Tenggara-based daily publication KURSOR, dedicating herself to gender mainstreaming and advocating for abused women and children are at the core of her journalism work and for which she never expected to be applauded, let alone be bestowed with high accolades.
So, when the Alliance of Independent Journalist (AJI) awarded her this year's SK Trimurti Award, which recognizes efforts in fighting for gender equality, Anna, as she is known, said the award had, in fact, reminded her that the struggle to eliminate violence and injustice against the vulnerable still had a long way to go.
"I dedicated this award to women and children who suffer from injustice; [they] are the very reason why I started writing and become a journalist," Anna told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
"This award serves as [a reminder] for me to continue fighting for women and children who are victims of abuse in Indonesia."
Throughout her long career, Anna is known for her dedication to peace journalism as well as advocating for human rights and gender issues.
In KURSOR, she integrates gender perspectives in newsroom policies, which are reflected through its news products, editorials and headlines, giving the daily a reputations as a pioneer of gender mainstreaming in the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) provincial capital of Kupang.
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The 52-year-old has also worked with local organizations and has been very active in writing and raising awareness about the injustices faced by vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Anna noted that cases of violence against women and children were still rampant in the province and hoped that the award would be a driving force for her and other activists in the campaign for gender equality and elimination of violence in NTT.
"I feel very grateful that our struggles have been recognized. At the same time, this award has also become motivation for us to continue working selflessly," she said.
The AJI established the SK Trimurti Award to commemorate the late Soerastri Karma Trimurti, a renowned activist and female journalist who took part in the Indonesian independence movement.
The group's decision to bestow Anna with the prestigious award has been praised by various parties who acknowledged her outstanding achievements throughout her career.
Merry Kolimon, the chairwoman of the Masehi Injili Sinode Church in Timor (GMIT), applauded Anna for her achievement, saying that the award could also become an inspiration for the youths in NTT for the advocacy of democracy and gender equality through journalism.
"[Anna] is a senior journalist in NTT, a teacher and a friend of many young women," Merry said.
Meanwhile, AJI Kupang chairman Marthen Bana said the award was "the best gift" for them on the organization's 26th anniversary.
Anna was nominated by AJI Kupang to receive this year's SK Trimurti Award after thorough consideration, Marthen said, adding that they were very proud that Anna had won the prize.
He said Anna had proven her dedication and compassion over the past 20 years.
"For us, Anna deserves this award because as a journalist and a women activist, she has been consistently advocating for gender equality, human rights and marginalized groups in NTT.” (dpk)
