Australia and Indonesia Partnering to End Violence Against Women

Australia and Indonesia are commemorating the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, or White Ribbon Day, which is annually marked on 25 November.

An Australian Government aid program, Empowering Indonesian Women for Poverty Reduction (MAMPU) is supporting the National Commission for Women (Komnas Perempuan) ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign.

The ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’ is an international campaign to encourage the elimination of violence against women.

This year the campaign in Indonesia will focus on the issue of sexual violence. One hundred thirty seven organisations in 28 provinces and 73 districts/municipalities across the archipelago will raise community awareness about violence against women through public discussions, film screenings, cyber campaigns and social media competitions.

In March 2014, Komnas Perempuan Indonesia recorded 279, 760 reports of violence against women. Every day there are 35 women in Indonesia who experience sexual violence.

The Australian Government has been supporting Komnas Perempuan since 2006. This support has assisted the Commission to fulfil its mandate as the national voice on the elimination of violence against women. The Commission has trained judges, lawyers, prosecutors and the police on how to manage these cases.

This year, Australia has begun to support 33 women’s organisations across Indonesia that are part of the Commission’s learning forum. These organisations will set up crisis centres and assist survivors of violence with case handling and rehabilitation.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty said gender equality and empowering women and girls is a key priority of Australia’s new aid policy.

“Recognising that violence against women is an issue that affects women and girls around the world, Australia is committed to supporting and partnering with other countries, including Indonesia, to end violence against women”.

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Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 08111 873 175