BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND ACTIVISM ON SEXUAL POLITICS

Satellite organized by the Kartini Asia Network and LBH APIK’s Federation
on the occasion of the 6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Sexual  and Reproductive Health and  Rights
To be held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 19-22 October 2011

Abstract :
Policy on issues of sexuality and sexual rights is best supported when activists and researchers collaborate to advance a certain issue.  However collaboration between researchers and activists is not always easy. In this panel we reflect on the long history of action research on issues of sexuality by board members  of the Kartini Asia Network and members of the APIK Federation (Indonesian Women’s Association for Justice) . We focus on recent research on hetero-normativity, women’s same-sex and transgender issues. Both projects had both a research and a policy–related side. In both projects activists and researchers worked side by side. Issues discussed will be the advantages of such collaboration as well as the problems encountered. Advantages include a research team in which activists are equipped by the latest conceptual and methodological tools and the activist-researchers had good access to the subjects of the research. The outcomes are multiple, training manuals, advocacy tools as well as analytical articles and books. The problems are also manifold. Activists and researchers may have different rhythms and different needs. Referencing, authorship and other ethical issues may lead to disagreements. In this panel we will further discuss the dynamics of policy-related research on issues of sexual rights and reproductive health.
Speakers :
1.    Ratna Batara Munti  ( Legal Reform Coordinator of LBH APIK Federation) : Fighting against Sexism in Indonesian’s Health Law.
2.    Edriana Noerdin (Founder  of Women Research Indonesia) : Maternal Mortality rate in Indonesia and Challenges toward MDG’s 2015
3.    Nursyahbani Katjasungkana (Kartini Asia Network‘s Coordinator) : Sexuality Action Research and Advocacy on Sexual Rights: Lessons  from the Ground
4.    Prof.Dr.Saskia E.Wieringa (University of Amsterdam) : Balancing  Academia and Activism

Chair : Irwan Hidayana, MA (Centre for Sexuality and Gender Studies, Indonesia University)