She invited all elements of the nation to work hand in hand for creating an environment that is free from acts of violence.
"The commemoration of the Anti-Violence Against Women Day must become a momentum to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women," Maharani said in a statement released here on Thursday.
She asked the public to build awareness regarding all forms of violence against women.
It is necessary to give education regarding the prevention of all forms of violence against women from early on, she stressed.
"Because many cases of violence or sexual harassment occur due to ignorance. People do not yet understand that some of their behaviors are forms of harassment to women," she noted.
Examples of harassment include whistling, passing comments on one's body, flirting, touching, and making sexist and racist remarks, she said.
According to Maharani, the harassment that women experience mostly occurs in public spaces such as public roads and transportation facilities. Therefore, it is essential that the issue become a concern for everyone, she added.
She emphasized that the participation of the community is really important to prevent any form of violence or harassment.
"Education from an early age regarding the prevention of all forms of violence against women must be carried out by prioritizing the understanding of gender equity and gender equality," the house speaker remarked.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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