Legal aid body for women founded

JAKARTA (JP): Seven prominent women activists yesterday established an institution providing legal advocacy to women.

The legal support organization, called the Association of Indonesian Women for Justice, intends to work toward achieving equality between men and women.

H. Tumbu Saraswati, who chairs the association, said that it was established out of concern for women, who are subject to discrimination in practically all aspects of life.

"Women are subject to injustices in economic, political, social and cultural affairs," Saraswati said when introducing the new organization to the public.

The activists, who also distributed booklets on various international agreements concerning women, plan to open branches in several provinces.

On the list of the organization's executive board are Nursyahbani Katjasungkana (deputy chief), Nur Amalia (deputy chief), Rita Serena Kolibonso (secretary general) and Dwi Ria Latifa (treasurer).

Nursyahbani said that the organization means to abolish marginalization, subordination, stereotyping and sexual violence against women. (16)