Media Release

11 March 2009

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2009

The Australian Embassy will celebrate International Women’s Day this week with a reception to recognise the important contributions both Indonesian and Australian women make in addressing the challenges continued to be faced in today’s society.

“This event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the status of women in different cultures and regions across the globe, and recognise the achievements of women and their contributions to society,” Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said.

Australia and Indonesia have forged strong partnerships to advance women’s issues, particularly under Australia’s development assistance program in areas such as health, human rights and governance.

“Around the world there is still a lot to do to protect women from poverty and inequalities. In our region Australia and Indonesia are working together to help address these issues,” Mr Farmer said.

Australia funds, for example, a A$49 million maternal and neonatal health program which aims to make pregnancy and childbirth safer for women in Indonesia's poorest areas.

This program focuses on increasing access to trained midwives during pregnancy and childbirth, improving management of maternal and neonatal health services, and increasing funding for community level support for new and expecting mothers.

Australia is also helping to address violence against women in the region through a $1 million grant to the Indonesian National Commission on Violence Against Women. This funding will assist the Commission to promote human rights and particularly the rights of women in Indonesia.

Australia also supports the Indonesian Centre for Education and Information on Islam and Women’s Rights Issues, Rahima. This Centre aims to strengthen the capacity of local Islamic leaders in East Java to promote gender equality and human rights.

International Women's Day is a celebration of women’s social, political and economic advancement over the past 100 years and is celebrated on 8 March every year.

Further information:
Jenny Dee (Counsellor Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2553 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175