Hari Kartini

The Jakarta Post - Kartini, her life and letters:

"April 21 is always remembered in Indonesia as the day of women's emancipation that was initiated by Kartini, who was born on this day in 1879 in a village called Mayong, which is today located in the province of Central Java."

I belive they have a girls' day in Japan and this article about kartini, and kartini Day, whcih is a day to celelbrate women's emancipation in Indonesia is fascinating. No one here would know the date of our women's day and we do have one but it isn't particiularly linked to anyone. It is always easier to remember something vital when it is linked tightly with the people and cultural events. We never forget Anzac Day, but we often confuse ourselves about our national day. In Australia, we feel as though Anzac Day is our national day and the one in January is too vague, too detached from us and too soon after Christmas. There is a book by Hildred Gertz: Letters of a Javanese Princess which is about Kartini's life and the profound changes she experiences. Sadly, she died in childbirth. I found this article very moving. I shall try to find the book.