Yogyakarta, (ANTARA News) - The 35th General Assembly of the International Council of Women (ICW) and the Indonesian Thousand Women National Gathering will be able to encourage the progress of the role of women in various fields, according to Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Susana Yembise.

"The event is expected to contribute to the protection, empowerment and progress of women," Yohana said in her speech at the Welcome Dinner of the Committee and Participants of the 35th General Council of Women at the Grand Inna Malioboro, here, on Thursday night.

She said that the presence of participants from various parts of the world in Yogyakarta proved ICW`s commitment, especially Indonesian women in the struggle for their empowerment in various fields.

The minister noted that the women and children in Indonesia remain experiencing various kinds of problems because they are vulnerable to poverty, natural disasters, conflict and violence.

"Women and children often experience various forms of violence, both physical, psychological and sexual," she said.

On the other hand, the minister said that women in some regions still experience stereotypes, marginalization, subordination, and double burden.

According to her, the task of women was considered only to carry out work related to the domestic area or household, while men were considered as the main breadwinners.

"So that the income generated by women is considered as an addition," she said.

To overcome the problems of women, Yohana said education, health and economic empowerment are very important factors to be improved.

"Women have enormous potential to build the nation, so women`s access and participation in all fields of development must be given," Yohana said.

Besides being attended by officials of ICW, and the Indonesian Women`s Congress (Kowani), the Welcome Dinner was also attended by Minister of Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection Yohana Susana Yembise, Mayor of Magelang, Sigit Widyonindito, and anthropologist Meutia Farida Hatta.

The 35th General Assembly of ICW which took place from September 13 to 20, 2018 carried the theme of Transforming Society through Women Empowerment.

Reporting by Luqman Hakim
Editing by Otniel Tamindael





(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/C/O001) 13-09-2018 23:56:36

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
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