ASEAN Literary Festival 2017 Highlights Inequality Of Female Writers

JAKARTA, Aug 3 (Antara) - The 4th ASEAN Literary Festival (ALF) to be held in Jakarta, from Aug 3 to 6, 2017, will highlight the inequality of female writers compared to males and hold discussions on feminism. "Every year, we conduct discussions on women and feminism literacy. This year's theme 'Future is Feminism' will focus on equal rights for women," Okky Madasari, a national author and initiator of ALF said during a press conference here on Wednesday. According to her, gender equality is still a problem in the literary world. It can be seen by the increase in participation of male authors in literary events than females. "Many of the events' sessions have no female speakers. This is such a difficult reality," Madasari stated. As a writer who consistently voices human rights and freedom in her works, Madasari revealed that the biggest challenge for Indonesian women to start writing was the tradition of patriarchy. Therefore, women's freedom in expressing themselves will be discussed within the framework of feminism. In addition to the discussion, this year's ALF will also organize a writing contest under the theme "Gender and Sexuality," whose winner will be announced in the festival's closing night. ALF provides various programs which will encourage the public to write and read more. Under the theme "Beyond Imagination," the festival is also part of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, which will be celebrated on Aug 8, 2017.