14 August 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
To enhance women's capacity in democratic life, the University of North Sumatra (USU) conducted a community service program titled "Women's Empowerment Through Political Education for Housewives." The event, hosted by USU Political Science lecturers, featured a Community Service Program at the General Elections Commission (KPU) in Sergei on Thursday. It took place at the General Elections Commission (KPU) office in Serdang Bedagai Regency. Approximately 20 housewives participated in an interactive dialogue with USU Political Science lecturers. In her remarks, the Head of the Community Service Program, Evi Novida Ginting Manik, emphasized the importance of universities providing tangible benefits to society. "Every individual at the university has a responsibility to contribute to society according to their field of expertise. On this occasion, we, as professionals in Political Science, would like to share our knowledge about the importance of politics for all levels of society, especially women," she said.
The event featured two speakers from USU's Political Science Study Program: Fredick Broven Ekayanta and Ira Rizka Aisyah Lubis. In her presentation, Fredick emphasized that politics should be understood as an effort to realize the public good, not simply a matter of power. Ira then emphasized the importance of women's involvement in politics. "Women are the ones who best understand everyday issues in society, such as the price of basic necessities, children's health, and even the state of education," she said.
This understanding of the meaning of politics was also clarified by Fuad Hasan Lubis, a member of the Serdang Bedagai General Elections Commission (KPU). He emphasized that politics should not be interpreted as a power struggle synonymous with conflict or violence. "Politics is actually a means to resolve public issues," he explained. The activity took place in an active and participatory atmosphere. Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, express their opinions, and clarify various political issues. At the conclusion, participants were asked to complete a post-test to measure their knowledge gained after participating in the discussion. This program is expected to be the first step in increasing political awareness among women, especially housewives, so that they become more empowered in their social and national lives. Through this program, housewives will not only understand their rights and obligations as citizens but also be able to become agents of change in their communities. Increasing women's political literacy is considered a strategic step to strengthen the quality of local democracy and ensure more inclusive representation in the future.
https://www.waspada.id/medan/dosen-ilmu-politik-usu-pengabdian-kepada-masyarakat-di-kpu-sergei/
