Women in rural areas have not fully understood the reproductive organs, their functions and working system. Their knowledge is often influenced by the myth. The myth is believed as a truth, not just related to reproductive health but also the values of women in their role as wife and housewife.
It was stated by a researcher from Center for Population and Policy Studies, of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dra. Budi Wahyuni, MM, MA, presenting her research results of the role of rural women in power relations within households in the Burat village, Kepil sub-district, Wonosobo regency, Central Java Province. The statement was made in her open doctorate examination in Faculty of Medicine, Saturday (29/10). Her promoter is Prof. dr. Mohammad Hakimi, Sp.OG (K)., Ph.D., and co-promoters Prof. dr. Djaswadi Dasuki Sp.OG (K)., MPH., Ph.D. and Dr. Anna Marrie Wati.
In front of the examiner team that was led by prof. dr. Ali Ghufron Mukti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Budi Wahyuni said that both men and women should be involved in the reproductive health production process, especially the husband. However, this awareness is seldom found in the household. Instead the women are burdened with excessive labeling. In turn, reproductive health rights are solely imposed on women, while husband escape from the problems faced by women in the household. "The worse thing is that this is considered a necessity and the culture perpetuates this situation," she said.
The lady born in Yogyakarta on May 23, 1958, added that in the protection and safety assurance of reproductive organs and sexual rights, women have not been given enough attention and tend to be underestimated. In fact, most women have no idea about sexually transmitted diseases, as well as sexual relation that is oriented only for the satisfaction of the husband alone. "Consequently, the male role is minimal in the production of reproductive health and even burdens women and threatens their position," she said.
Meanwhile, the inequality of husband and wife’s power relations is mainly due to the classical construction that becomes a mainstream understanding, both men and women, that men are heads of households. The construction is maintained and promoted through forums and social activities.
Knowledge is one of the factors that determine the production of reproductive health, in addition to the value and power relations that exist in the household. Therefore, improvement of reproductive health information and sexual health are necessary to be given as early as possible. Moreover, women need to access sources of information about sexuality, without ignoring her reproductive health.