July 26, 2011
IFP alum Rilda Taneko, who received a master’s degree in Gender and Development from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in the Netherlands, has published a new book of short stories entitled Morning Train to The Hague.
Based on Indonesian women’s experiences and perspectives, the book was launched on July 12 at the Welcome Dinner for the International Conference on Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Social Justice Response, organized by the Indonesian Social Justice Network (ISJN), IFP’s alumni network in Indonesia. "Kereta Pagi Menuju Den Haag", the title story in this 16-piece collection, was inspired by her IFP journey. Click here to read the review. In Rilda’s words:
"Most of the stories in the book are about Indonesian women’s struggles, as international students, immigrants or political exiles. It’s also about conflicting ideologies, violence against women and domestic matters.
Some of the stories had already been published in an Indonesian newspaper from 2002 to 2010. One of the stories, entitled "Istri Pilihan" (The Chosen Wife) was translated to English for an exhibition called 100 Faces, 100 Stories, which took place in Newcastle upon Tyne, in partnership with a local non-profit organization for the homeless.
Currently I am living in the UK with my husband and son. I am in the process of applying for a PhD in Sociology at Lancaster University. Tomorrow will be a big day for me, as I will meet my future supervisor, hopefully, for the first time to discuss my PhD project. The supervisor I am applying to is Professor Sylvia Walby, a UNESCO Chair Professor considered to be one of the world’s leading authorities on gender."
Click HERE to join the book's Facebook Page.
Click HERE to read 'Istri Pilihan' (The Chosen Wife), which is the only story in Rilda's book so far that has been translated into English.