In Kepahiang District, Bengkulu, the Kelobak Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) was unusually busy one morning. Inside a small, blue-walled room labelled “One Stop Service and Learning (OSS&L)”, women from nearby villages gathered—not only to seek medical advice, but to share stories, ask questions, and support one another. Some inquired about reproductive health, others sought help for domestic violence cases.
More than a clinical facility, this room has become a lifeline. OSS&L is an initiative developed by PERMAMPU, a consortium of civil society organisations in Sumatra working to advance women’s empowerment and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). In collaboration with Puskesmas, it expands the role of health centres beyond basic services—transforming them into learning and protection spaces that offer counselling, referrals, and community education on SRHR, child marriage prevention, and gender-based violence.
Village Women at the Frontline of Services
At the heart of OSS&L are local women leaders—housewives, farmers, and villagers who have taken on new roles as counsellors and advocates. Many of them graduated from leadership training through the Grassroots Women’s Forum (FPAKR)–facilitated by Cahaya Perempuan Women’s Crisis Centre (WCC), a Bengkulu-based member of the PERMAMPU Consortium.
These women are not medical professionals but housewives and rural women who, with determination, have taken on crucial roles. One of them is Yurma Yulita, an OSS&L cadre who now actively serves at Kelobak Puskesmas.
“At first, I was just a housewife, shy and unaware of women’s rights. After the training, I became braver and realised that women have the right to live safely and healthily,” she said.
Through FPAKR, Yurma gained valuable knowledge on SRHR that benefits not only herself but also her family and community. This knowledge has strengthened her confidence to support other women in need.
Another cadre, Wenda Royani, who also serves as a provincial FKPAR member, shared her experience. She explained that she has learnt so much from the capacity-building activities – from supporting survivors and expanding outreach, to early detection and basic counselling on reproductive health.
“I’ve learnt so much from the capacity-building activities – from supporting survivors and expanding outreach, to early detection and basic counselling on reproductive health. All this has made me more confident in accompanying other women to be healthier and more empowered, both physically and mentally,” Wenda explained.
For Leni Pahleza, joining OSS&L was life changing. “I used to be indifferent to social problems around me,” she said. “Now I care, I listen, and I accompany women facing difficulties. I’ve realised how important it is to support neighbours or family members experiencing violence. When one woman dares to report, she not only saves herself but also opens the way for others.”
Challenges and Hopes for Integrated Services
Since its official launch in 2023, and with support from the local Health Office, the OSS&L at Kelobak Puskesmas has received 1,042 reports of cases throughout 2024 and 2025, most related to domestic violence.
“These women and children are coming forward because they now feel safe. Most cases are referred to Cahaya Perempuan WCC for legal, psychological, or medical support. This proves that even in rural areas, women can build real systems of protection,” said Juniarti Boermansyah, Program Coordinator of Cahaya Perempuan.
Yet the journey is not without resistance. OSS&L cadres are often criticised for “interfering” in private household matters. Still, with strong support from the Puskesmas, WCC, and the local community, they remain steadfast.
The service has also transformed the role of Puskesmas. Once seen merely as a treatment facility, it is now a trusted space where women come not just for health services—but also to learn about their rights, share experiences, and build solidarity.
The impact is visible. Women who once remained silent now dare to speak. Families are more open to discussing reproductive health and domestic violence, issues previously considered taboo. Slowly, stigma is shifting, and collective awareness is growing.
Today, the integrated health centre stands as a safe space for women to access information, support and protection. Through INKLUSI, by July 2025 the PERMAMPU Consortium has developed 32 integrated services in community health centres across eight provinces in Sumatra.
PERMAMPU remains committed to expanding outreach and strengthening advocacy to end child marriage and violence against women, advancing gender equality and ensuring women and girls live free from violence.
