Honoring the Legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini

• Created by: administrator
• Updated by:22 Apr 2025

Assalamualaikum, Hello parents how are you?

April 21st is a day dedicated to remembering Raden Ajeng Kartini — a woman whose actions and words moved a nation. It is a day to remember her legacy, not limited to improving women's education, but also breaking cultural barriers. She fought for thought, courage, and the right to ask "why" in a world that only demanded obedience.

For centuries before Kartini was born, women were systematically silenced — not only by men, but by the traditions that cloaked injustice in the name of culture. To be born a woman was to be born with limitations: forbidden from asking questions, barred from learning freely, and conditioned to believe that obedience was a virtue. Women during her time was forced to smile through the pain of living in a world where men wins all. They were confined within the walls of their homes, forced to live for the sole purpose of being married off and bare children. Success was determined by her compliance and not her intellect — stripping away the most basic human dignity to have freedom of thought. It was a bitter truth that Kartini was one of countless brilliant minds shackled by the invisible chains of patriarchy. 

And yet, from within that cage, she roared.

As she began to write, she uplifted unheard voices. She created change and was never afraid to be challenged by society. She dreamed of a society where people of all genders were free to pursue knowledge, express opinions, and take part in shaping their future. Kartini knew that this transformation had to begin with education: not just formal schooling, but the kind of learning that shapes character, challenges injustice, and inspires action.

Centuries later, we see the result of her fight against injustice. Girls now attend school, women lead companies and classrooms, and conversations about equality are louder than ever. 

But Kartini’s legacy asks us to go further. 

Ayah Bunda and fellow teachers, are we teaching young people to think critically and act with empathy? Are we raising girls to believe in their worth beyond appearances? Are we raising boys to see strength not in dominance, but in fairness and kindness?

To honor Kartini means to continue her legacy. Honoring her also meant that we need to believe that we are responsible of creating tangible change for our future. This is a belief that should not only be carried by parents, educators, or women. This is our responsibility as a society, for families, and especially for the youth. If Kartini was able to amplify voices by herself, imagine the level of change we can create if we remain together hand in hand.

See you soon Ayah Bunda, have a great day ahead.