Foundation aids women politicians

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

To new women politicians and aspiring ones: Don't despair! That is the message of a new module on politics for women, issued on Tuesday by Yayasan Jurnal Perempuan (the Women's Journal Foundation).

Its introductory notes refer to the much more positive environment nowadays in Indonesia for women in politics, even though the law on elections does not make the 30 percent quota of women candidates mandatory for political parties.

The introduction states that the past five years have showed much higher awareness of women's political rights here, with support from international institutions, donor countries, local non-government organizations and activists, all of which "strive to overcome systematic and cultural constraints."

Also, women need only look at their daily concerns and not be turned off by the "male politics" of money and power, foundation executive director Adriana Venny said in her introduction.

"Women's politics is that of simple and daily affairs," she wrote. These included "What food to put on the table while the husband is engrossed in gambling; whether the price of rice will increase again tomorrow; the children' school fees; how I should keep fit during pregnancy and safe during labor; how I should ensure my baby is well-nourished; and how to protect women's rights when their husbands remarry".

Political platforms of the presidential candidates "show very little understanding of women's issues," she added. A few weeks ahead of the second round of the presidential election, on Monday presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono addressed a large group of women, promising he would strive to look after their interests, and that at least four seats in his Cabinet would go to women.

Late Tuesday his rival's camp was quick to follow with Hasyim Muzadi, running mate to Megawati Soekarnoputri, addressed a television talk show titled "Islam and Women."

The possibility of winning over female voters, who make up over 50 percent of potential voters, has for a while no longer been the monopoly of Indonesia's first woman president, Megawati, whose popularity has waned in opinion polls even among female respondents.

The module stresses the importance of the influence of women in decision-making positions such as Kebumen regent Rustiningsih in Central Java, who is "sensitive to women's needs and does not easily issue regulations that disadvantage women".

Of the new members of the House of Representatives to be installed in early October, women make up only 11 percent, and those who failed to become legislators have said they would be willing to assist wherever possible to make up for the shortage.

Bills that are currently considered urgent by women activists include those on domestic violence, protection of migrant workers and on trafficking.

Speakers at Tuesday's discussion were Smita Notosusanto from the Center for Electoral Reform and Masruhach of the Women's Coalition, who said the module still failed to live up to its claim to provide "practical tips" for women politicians.

The foundation, which published the module with support from Australia's AusAid, is best known for its women's journal and radio program on women's issues.