Kowani's statement

Kowani's statement

From Media Indonesia

The Indonesian Women's Congress appeals to the political parties in the following manner;

1. In conformity with the demands of the reform era and democratization which is marked by the increasing number of political parties, the Indonesian Women's Congress (Kowani), as the largest and oldest federation of women in the country, wishes that women's potential be fully utilized in every aspect of the nation's life and involved in the decision-making process. In this context, each party should nominate women as a minimum of 20 percent of its entire legislature slate, likewise for the executive and judiciary.

2. Kowani calls on political parties:

* To be broadminded, honest and just in their struggle for the interests of the majority of the people and this for the sake of unity and integrity of the nation, eschewing the use of force.

* The election campaign should not involve mass mobilizations as these may disturb public order and create physical clashes, disturbances and violence similar to the May 1998 situation.

3. Instead, it is more appropriate for all political parties to conduct dialogs, which also serve as a means of educating society, and refrain from making empty promises.

Kowani would also like to call on the female members of the House of Representatives not only to concern themselves with the practical needs of women but also to be committed to fight for women's causes in the framework of placing them on the same plane as their male partners as assets of society and nation.

Kowani further invites all components of society to enhance the role of women in politics, democracy, law and human rights on the basis of morals and religious values, which must start within the family.

Indonesian Women's Congress

Jakarta