Socialization of Gender Literacy and the Role of Fathers in Preventing Stunting in Cibenda Village, Pangandaran Regency
On Friday, September 27, 2024, a community service activity was held with the title “Prevention of Stunting, Gender Literacy, and the Role of Fathers in Stopping Stunting in Cibenda Village, Pangandaran District.” The activity was held at the Cibenda Village Sports Hall and was attended by 27 people. The participants of the activity were Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) and PKK women’s groups from each hamlet in Cibenda Village.
This community service activity group consists of Dwi Masrina, M.Med.Kom. as chairperson, with members Linda Kurniawati, M.M., Preciosa Alnashava Janitra, M.Si., and Dr. Ilham Gemiharto, M.Si. The material related to the theme was presented by Preciosa, for 60 minutes. The material presented included an understanding of gender, the characteristics of women and men according to the participants, gender-based stereotypes, forms of gender inequality, the importance of gender health for health programs, and the role of fathers in overcoming stunting.
According to Preciosa, gender and sex have different meanings, where sex relates to the biological characteristics of women and men, while gender is shaped by culture and social constructs related to nature, physics, and so on. The existence of gender-based stereotypes in society then shapes the characteristics between men and women, causing men and women to seem as if they are only allowed to have one role. Gender-based stereotypes in society are formed due to cultural influences, one of which is patriarchal culture, which disadvantages women by perceiving men as the dominant group and women as the weaker or subordinate group. As a result, gender-based inequality arises between men and women, such as inequality in access to education, healthcare, career development, and various other aspects of life. Gender equality is also very important in health programs. One example is in the prevention of stunting. Fathers have an important role in preventing stunting, such as ensuring adequate nutrition for mothers and children, being actively involved in childcare, ensuring the happiness of their wives (including during pregnancy), and ensuring cleanliness/promoting a clean and healthy lifestyle within the family.
After the presentation session ended, the activity continued with a question-and-answer session between the participants and the presenter. In the question session, the participants hoped that Cibenda Village could continue to collaborate with the university on educational programs. They also hoped that the academic community could provide program ideas that could solve problems in the community, such as stunting. This activity is in line with SDG 3 (Good health & Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). (mdr)
