Kowani also hopes that the National Gathering of One Thousand Indonesian Women`s Organizations, being held on September 11-20, will share the mission with the general assembly.
"We expect the meeting to promote women`s dignity," Kowani chief Giwo Rubianto Wiyogo said in a talkshow aired by TVRI in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (Sept 11).
During the 30-minute talkshow hosted by Aulia Rizki, Giwo said the women`s empowerment issue was part of the main concern of all stakeholders, mainly amid the fast development of science and technology in the digital era.
Besides Giwo, the talkshow also featured the head of organizing committee of the ICW`s 35th General Assembly and the National Gathering, Gatot Subagio.
One of the main challenges that women in various parts of the world are facing is how they keep up with the rapid development of science and technology without losing the virtues of their cultures, values and norms, Giwo remarked.
They are also challenged to respond to other pressing issues, including sexual harassment, violations of the rights of women and children, as well as access to public health and education, she said.
She noted many mothers in the Indonesian island of Java die during labor. "In an hour, on average, two women die during labor. It can be prevented," Giwo noted.
Hence, all women in the country need to collaborate with the ICW in dealing with the issues.
As part of the council and affiliated with the United Nations, Kowani has a responsibility to take part in the international level, Giwo said adding that the appointment of Kowani to host the ICW`s 35th General Assembly shows the international community`s confidence in Indonesia.
The ICW`s General Assembly this year also marks its 130th anniversary since it first began its movement in empowering women across the globe, while the National Gathering of One Thousand Indonesian Women`s Organizations commemorates the 90th year of the Indonesian Women`s struggle as the Mother of the Nation for materializing an "Indonesia Jaya".
Local Values
Meanwhile, Gatot Subagio said the ICW`s 35th General Assembly and the National Gathering of One Thousand Indonesian Women`s Organizations, supported by the Ministry of State Owned Enterprises and 35 state owned companies across the country, also serve as a momentum to showcase the local values in Yogyakarta at the international stage.
"We consider the fact that Yogyakarta has an enormous historic value for Indonesia and is home to many attractive tourist destinations that are worth promoting to the foreign delegates," he said.
Gatot, who is also Corporate Secretary of PT Patra Jasa, explained that the delegates would also visit 20 Village Economic Halls, or Balkondes, around the area of the world`s famous Borobodur Temple in Magelang District, Central Java Province.
During the visit, he continued, the delegates would be introduced to numerous economic empowerment programs in the village being run by women.
According to Giwo Rubiyanto Wiyogo, the event would result in the declaration of women as Mother of the Nation and affirmation of women`s spirit in fighting against acts of violence, radicalism and corruption.
The declaration will officially be announced during the delegates` visit to the Balkondes from September 18 to 19.
The series of activities will begin with the ICW Board of Directors meeting from September 11 to 12, followed by the opening of the 35th ICW General Assembly on September 13.
The National Gathering of One Thousand Indonesian Women`s Organizations will take place from September 13 to 14 and the opening ceremony will be held on September 14, with President Joko Widodo scheduled to deliver his remarks.
From September 14 to 18, plenary sessions as part of the General Assembly will be held, featuring numerous women experts as speakers and covering various issues concerning women empowerment.
Visits to the Balkondes will take place from September 18 to 19 around the Borobudur Temple area in Magelang, Central Java. The event will conclude with the meeting of the ICW's new Board of Director meeting on September 20.
Reporting by Genta Tenri M
Editing by Aria Cindyara/Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
