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problems influences Khatima to continue promoting the rights of
villagers.

For Khatima, the struggle for plantation and housing rights of
women human rights defenders is about the thinking. The struggle of
women is no different from men. The only difference is in terms of

physical appearance and strength. However, the society ascribes un-
equal values to men and women.
In the tribal society, Khatima said that gaining acceptance as

a “woman” and a “fighter” is not easy due to the cultural belief in
which the leader of the tribe must be male only.
“If a married woman leaves the house, she is seen as acting
inappropriately. Hence, travelling to various places in order to de-

mand the rights is problematic for the tribal women because of the
traditional custom. Personally, I have been reasonably well accepted
by the community because I am the first woman to finish a bachelor’s

degree. I also experienced the most serious issue because my father
was shot to death. Several factors have contributed to this acceptance.
They witnessed what I had been through so they are willing to take

my advice.”
Until today, Khatima is still demanding justice for her “father”
and the villagers in San Pa Hiang community. Even though, the fight

has been tough for a tribal woman like her, she never feels tired. She
participated in various conferences and workshops in order to disclose
what happened in the community. She hopes that someday the hu-
man rights violations of the indigenous people will be exterminated

and justice will return to all human beings.

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