Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – In commemorating International Women’s day which fell on Monday March 8, women from a number of different groups in Yogyakarta accused the political parties participating in the elections of not fighting for the rights of women. They also rejected discrimination and violence against women in Aceh and West Papua.

The demonstration began at the intersection of the Yogyakarta Monument on Jalan Mangkubumi at 10am and was joined by scores of student and women’s activists from the Struggle Committee for the Liberation of Women (Komite perjuangan Pembebasan Perempuan, KP3).

A second action was held at the roundabout of the Gadjah Mada University by the National Student Front (Front Mahasiswa Nasional, FMN) and the Yogyakarta City Committee (Komite Kota Jogjakarta).

They also brought a number of posters which read “The elections are not a solution for women”, “Reject discrimination and exploitation of women”, “Menstrual and maternity leave are a women’s right”, “Raise wages and benefits for women workers” and “Reject violence against women in Aceh and Papua”.

One of the speakers from FNM said that the 30 per cent quota for women candidates is merely lip-service so there are still many political parties which are not willing to fulfill the 30 per cent quota. “The policy of providing a 30 per cent quota for women in parliament is not the right answer to wipe out the decease of patriarchy which has obviously infected Indonesian politics”, they said.

The politicians in parliament are only fulfilling that which is required by law, as a result the outcome of the 2004 elections will not be very different from the present administration. Therefore we are obliged to reject the political parties and politicians who do not fight for women’s rights.

In a statement, FMN also demanded that protection be provided to women migrant workers, called for the provision of quality education for women, an increase in wages and benefits for women workers, the provision of menstrual and maternity leave and suitable work for women.

Meanwhile in the action which was held at the Yogyakarta Monument, KP3 rejected the continuing violence against women in Aceh and West Papua. They also rejected the trafficking of women and children, demanded equal wages and cheap healthcare and family planning services for women.

The two demonstrations proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner and were not therefore closely guarded by security personnel. Traffic police restricted themselves to ensuring that the actions did not create a traffic jam. (bgs, asy)

[Translated by James Balowski.]