"A woman who is also a mother must be able to be a good example for their children, their environment, and their society. They also have to be active in development activities," said Chairperson of Kowani Giwo Rubianto Wiyogo in her speech during a panel discussion at the 35th General Assembly of the International Council of Women (ICW) and the National Gathering of 1,000 Indonesian Women Organizations here, Friday.
Therefore, she continued, the role as the true mother of a nation is very important for Indonesia`s glory.
However, there were still obstacles faced by women to play their true role as the mothers of nation, Giwo said, adding that those obstacles include women trafficking, violence against women and gender inequality.
"It is important to overcome these problems," she said.
Regarding gender inequality, Giwo said, except their nature as women, there is no difference between men and women. She argued that there should be an equal opportunities for women and men.
"There are still various problems faced by women, so what is needed now is women`s empowerment. There should be no injustice to women," she said.
She also hoped that Indonesian women should be more independent and have characters so that they can maximize their role as the true mothers of the nation.
"I am sure, every woman who attend this national gathering agree with woman`s role as the true mother of the nation," she said.
During the gathering, Kowani has also prepared a declaration to emphasize the Indonesian women`s commitment to facing the challenges of the nation, ranging from corruption, drug abuse, radicalism to injustice.
"We will declare this and we will convey this declaration directly to President Joko Widodo who was present at this meeting," she said.
The 35th General Assembly of the ICW, is being held on September 13-20, 2018, under the theme "Transforming Society through Women Empowerment."
The assembly is held to coincide with the National Gathering of Thousand Indonesian Women`s Organizations.
Both events are organized by the ICW and kowani, and fully supported by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and 35 SOEs, including state news agency Antara.
Reporting by Eka Arifa
Editing by Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani/Bambang Purwanto
Reporter: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
