The event on Mother's Day, "Perempuan Meruwat Negeri" (Women Heal the Nation), aims to send aspirations from the Indonesian women from all backgrounds. (Image via Merdeka.com)

Five demands from mothers in Mother's Day

On 22 December, the Indonesians are celebrating Mother’s Day. On Sunday, hundreds of mothers marched down the streets in front of the State Palace to sound their aspirations. The women, also mothers, say that Indonesia still overlooks the sexual discriminations and harassment against women.

The march was themed “Perempuan Meruwat Negeri” or “Women Heal the Nation”.

The women, consisting of female activists and workers, started gathering in front of the State Palace at 8.30 a.m. at Arjuna Wiwaha Statue, Central Jakarta. Then, at 9.30 a.m., they walked to the State Palace. The rally also included some orations and ended with a string of events at the Aspiration Park, in front of the State Palace.

One initiator of the rally, Valentina Sagala, said that Indonesia is “not okay”. “Women Heal the Nation” aims to demand the Indonesian government to acknowledge women’s contribution to the nation and strengthen women’s position in Indonesia.

Valentina then stated at least five demands. First, regarding the regressing democracy in Indonesia. Second, women demand the Indonesian government to finalize the development of infrastructure to support all levels of society.

Then, for the third demand, Valentina wanted the Indonesian government to settle violations of human rights in the past. Fourth, the Indonesian government should stop resorting to violence. And, last but not least, the Indonesian government the acknowledgment of women in sexual violence bill (RUU PKS).

Valentina said that these five demands are not only orations but a priority.

Some women-empowering associations joined the rally. The Indonesian Breastfeeding Mothers Association (AIMI-ASI) also joined the rally, demanding the Indonesian government to fulfill the rights of breastfeeding mothers, including day-offs.

Indonesian Feminists also joined the rally, demanding the Indonesian government to provide safe spaces for the Indonesian women to prevent sexual harassment, crime, and other abuses against women.

Source: https://bit.ly/2ZiNRL0