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Resisting defeat - women's rejection of poverty

Ibu Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, at the book launch.

JAKARTA 23 May 2014: “Poverty is a justice issue because it is caused by basic violations of human rights, and failures in state institutions,” said Ibu Lies Marcoes at the launch of her book, Menolak Tumbang (A Journey against Defeat: Narratives of Women’s Rejection of Poverty).

The book tells the story of how millions of Indonesians try to overcome poverty. It contains first-hand accounts of the lives of people who are rarely heard, and hundreds of powerful images that document in intimate detail everyday lives across the country.

“It is clear when you see these wonderful photos that justice must address poverty and the systems that entrench it,” said Ibu Lies. “But ultimately this is an inspiring book, I think. It shows how resourceful women are, and how they refuse to surrender,” she added.

The launch included a panel discussion on the structural causes of poverty, and guests were invited to view an exhibition of the photos taken by Armin Hari, as he accompanied Lies during her travels throughout Indonesia to interview her subjects. The launch was conducted at the Cemara 6 Gallery in Menteng.

AIPJ has supported Ibu Lies' research into the structural forces that keep millions of Indonesian women in poverty. This initiative is part of strengthening AIPJ’s support to women who are poor, a priority target population for the partnership.