Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - The International Council of Women (ICW) has celebrated its 130th anniversary in Yogyakarta, a town rich in cultural heritages on the foot of Mount Merapi.

"This is a happy occasion for us. Today is the ICW`s anniversary. I want to thank the former president of the ICW, the senior members and sisters for all the extraordinary efforts to keep the ICW`s fighting to defend women`s rights," ICW President Kim Jung-sook said in her speech at the Village Economic Center, known as Balkondes Hall, at Grand Inna Hotel Malioboro, here on Thursday.

Kim said, since its inception, the ICW has promoted women`s interests and rights.

The organization also opposes violence to women and children by promoting and providing education.

The ICW continues to support sustainable development in the world and becomes an active pioneer in global women`s movement.

"This role is emphasized by the ICW to achieve gender equality and equal access to education, employment, and equal salaries and eradication of human trafficking, and moral achievement," Kim said.

The celebration of the ICW anniversary was carried out with the cutting of a `tumpeng? (a Javanese traditional rice cone) by ICW President Kim Jung-sook.

The ICW was formed on March 25, 1888, in Washington DC, the United States, by several founding members including Susan B. Anthony, May Wright Sewall, and Frances Willard.

Since its inception, the ICW has been at the forefront of efforts to attract world attention to many women`s right issues. This organization also leads the war on social injustice against women.

The ICW wants to bring together women`s organizations around the world, with the aim of promoting human rights, gender equality, peace and women empowerment in all aspects through the establishment of an international federation.

The ICW, which has been integrated with the international government institutions, managed to build and maintain a stunning reputation for 130 years since its establishment.

This year, Indonesia was honored to host the 35th ICW General Assembly in Yogyakarta under the theme "Transforming Society Through Women Empowerment".

The event is jointly held by the ICW and the Kowani in cooperation with the Ministry of State Owned Enterprises, involving 35 state owned companies including Antara news agency in support of the event..


Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo
Editing by Bambang Purwanto

Reporter: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: Bustanuddin
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