KOMUNIKASI TRANSOFRMATIF RIFKA ANNISA WOMEN’S CRISIS CENTER DALAM MEWUJUDKAN MASYARAKAT YANG ADIL GENDER

Abstract

Gender inequality remains a deeply rooted structural issue within Indonesian society, as reflected in the high rates of violence against women, unequal access to resources, and the dominance of patriarchal values in social relations. In response to these conditions, Rifka Annisa Women's Crisis Center emerges as an institution that employs transformative communication to promote a gender-just society. This study aims to understand and describe Rifka Annisa’s efforts in realizing gender justice. The research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach using a critical ethnographic design. The theoretical framework is based on the Theory of Gender Structuration, and data analysis follows Spradley’s ethnographic model, which includes domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and thematic analysis.

The findings of this study show that transformative gender culture is at the core of Rifka Annisa’s institutional practice, shaped through the interaction between the production and reproduction of the gender system. In the production phase, the institution reflects critically to formulate a set of institutional norms, including a transformative vision, ecological framework, gender-inclusive language, male involvement in advocacy, principles of confidentiality and ethical communication, and women’s leadership. These norms are supported by the use of institutional rules and resources, both authoritative and allocative, such as partnerships with government and civil society, social media engagement, and alternative funding mechanisms. In the reproduction phase, the values and knowledge established are sustained through critical education, community-based cadres, and participatory monitoring. Through this approach, the community does not merely act as beneficiaries but also becomes agents of change who strengthen gender equality independently and collectively. However, this process faces several challenges, including cultural resistance rooted in patriarchy, limited human and financial resources, and barriers in cross-sector collaboration. These issues are addressed through gradual and contextual intervention strategies. This study concludes that although structural change cannot happen instantly, Rifka Annisa’s consistent efforts to negotiate values, power, and resources reflect an ongoing process of social transformation.