Lawyer hails govt's recognition of NGOs

JAKARTA (JP): It is time for Indonesia to show the world that it welcomes the presence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a noted lawyer and women's rights advocate said.

During a break at the Second Asian and Pacific Ministerial Conference on Women in Development, Nursyahbani Katjasungkana praised Minister of Women's Affairs Mien Sugandhi for agreeing to meet five delegates from local women's groups.

The women were among the estimated 30 who participated in a "peace march" outside the conference venue, organized by the recently formed Indonesian Committee of NGOs for Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Nursyahbani chairs the committee.

The peace march also had official permission from Mien.

The lawyer also praised the Conference which has officially recognized around 50 NGO delegates from Asia-Pacific countries, although they were only granted observer status.

"This government-to-government Conference is good to evaluate the results of the 1985 international women's conference in Nairobi, although NGOs still have a different perspective about problems concerning women," said Nursyahbani.

She said the differences could not be reconciled at previous international preparatory meetings in the run-up to the 1995 World Conference of Women, including the one in Manila last year.

"The difference lies in the very concept of women in development," she said. While governments address the issue of elevating women's role in development, she said NGOs see the problem as one of "gender and development."

This, she said, addresses development itself, the relations of state and society as well as the relationship between men and women.

A joint statement by 40 women NGOs, presented by the Committee yesterday, criticized the development model which stresses economic growth and which "..has emphasized the ideology of motherhood...and exploits the women's body and labor..."

After meeting Mien, the delegates suggested that the ministry intervene on matters concerning women migrant workers. (anr)